Posted on 11/20/2017 2:18:34 PM PST by kaehurowing
Hudsonville investigating another teacher accused of Bible talk
By Monica Scott
HUDSONVILLE, MI - For the second time this month, Hudsonville Public Schools is investigating allegations a teacher is holding Bible talks with students, after complaints from a civil rights group.
Last week, the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists (MACRA) contacted the district after parents at Baldwin Street Middle School raised concerns about sixth-grade teacher Jeffrey Henderson. He allegedly has Bible study in class prior to school and engages in faith discussions during the school hour.
On Nov. 6, the district terminated faith-based discussions a fifth-grade Alward Elementary teacher was having with students during lunchtime, after MACRA complained about the violation of the U.S. Constitution.
"Hudsonville has a problem understanding that there is a line between church and state that public schools cannot cross," said Mitch Kahle, a member of the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists.
"This is the third school violation in less than two years and it appears pervasive. If the district doesn't take some type of proactive measures, the trend is for more parents to come forward.''
District attorney Catherine Tracey informed Kahle on Thursday, Nov. 16, the complaints are being investigated. This is Henderson's 30th year in the district.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Smith said Monday, Nov. 20, the district will take the necessary time to conduct a thorough investigation into the MACRA allegations.
"We certainly want to know if any of our students and parents have concerns about religious activity at school. We will investigate whether any of the latest information brought forward by Mr. Kahle is inconsistent with the law or Board policy, and take remedial action as we deem appropriate,'' according to Smith.
In addition to a formal policy about engaging in religious activities with students, MACRA is calling for Henderson to be fired or suspended.
Kahle said when someone is found to be acting improperly and the school takes no disciplinary action or gives them a slap on the risk, it sends the wrong message. He pointed out that Alward teacher Christopher Karel was not disciplined.
Nelson Miller, professor and associate dean of the Cooley Law School's Grand Rapids Campus, said the younger the student the greater concern about schools violating the First Amendment. He said the teacher and school are perceived as endorsing religion, so there is an "entanglement'' concern.
"While there is some gray area about engaging in Bible discussions on campus before or after school, the courts have generally discouraged that practice.''
In his Nov. 16 letter to the district, Kahle cited comments on the rate my teacher website about Henderson that refer to him talking about religion too much and being very or overly religious.
In addition to his position at Hudsonville, Henderson cites being a youth minister on his Facebook page.
The 2015 practice Hudsonville discontinued involved Bible Club Ministries International-Western Michigan. Georgetown Elementary students were attending a Bible Club in a recreational vehicle in the parking lot during lunch hour.
Last week, Smith said each year the district shares information with their teachers and administrators to help clarify the boundaries that public schools must follow in regard to religion.
"The district is either not clarifying the law or teachers are turning a blind eye," Kahle said. "It looks like Mr. Henderson is repeatedly breaking the rules and there should be consequences.
In its letter, MACRA informs the district that if it does not take immediate action to ensure district-wide compliance with the law, the group will begin discussions about legal action.
What if the teacher was a muslim and teaching the Koran before school?.................
I was under the impression that before or after school was OK for this type of discussion.
Obviously, anyone talking about the Bible has to be evil and should not be allowed to teach.
Yes, exactly, now flipped on its head.
Depends on what type of “Bible” talk is being used. Is he a Catholic? Protestant? Non Denominational? Protestant parents may like a Catholic speaking about the Bible and vs versa. Many non denominational churches have a different idea as to what the Bible teaches. What type of message does he discuss during class? What type of class does he teach? Math? English? After school hours are ok...but during class may be another ball game.
The Body Snatchers image is good.
Yeah, I’m sure it’s other Christians complaining.
It is time to start issuing beat-downs to the people of these supposed “civil rights” organizations. They have been able to get away with destroying our country and need to learn a lesson and a few broken noses and bruises may start to make them understand they are not wanted.
in order to make room for muslim teachers.
Know a few Catholics that would disagree. Know a few Baptists that wouldn’t want anything to do with the Catholic church. When you start replacing math class with Bible study you get all kinds of problems. When you start promoting ANY religion in a public school you get infighting and problems. “I don’t want my child requiring a rosary to pray in school!” or “The school doesn’t need kids who aren’t of the TRUE church....All kinds of mess. After school is find, not during school. Case closed.
‘case closed’
?
I think not.
Student led groups are permissible.
Then ‘invite’ the teacher in
Bible bad! Koran good! What a crazy day to be alive...
Exactly.
Have any of these so called “civil rights groups” ever complained about the Islamic indoctrination taking place in many of the schools these days?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.