Artifact #6 Religion and Public Schools

Artifact #6
Religion and Public Schools
Melissa Acevedo
College of Southern Nevada
May 13, 2016
Artifact #6 Religion and Public Schools

A kindergarten teacher named Karen White announced to her students and parents that she would

no longer be participating any holiday associated activities, birthday celebrations, or recite the pledge of

allegiance due her recently becoming Jehovah’s Witness. Both parents and the Principal decided it was

best to dismiss Karen White because of her newly acquired religion. The parents and principle believed

that Karen white could no longer meet the needs of the students by not participating in these activities.

They believe it would not be fair to the students to not have any sort of celebrations because of their

teacher’s religion.

The first case I would like to present in favor of Karen White is Wisconsin vs. Yoder (decided

May 15, 1972). In this case the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Amish children who believed that they

did not have to attend school past the eighth grade based on their religious beliefs. They felt that because

of their religion and simple way of life any higher education was unnecessary for them. The Supreme

Court agree claiming that they had already received basic education which is what they would need for

their lifestyle. This case has many similarities to Karen White’s. It is not in the belief of her religion to

have to take participation in any school activities/celebrations that she is not comfortable with or chooses

to not to participate in. Both the Bill Ward and the parents should be understanding of White’s decision

because it is in the belief of her religion, just like it was for the Amish children.

The second case I would like to present Engel vs. Vitale (decided June 24, 1962). In this case

student were required to start the day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The allegiance and

prayer recognized the student’s dependence on God in which most students had mixed feelings about. The

law gave students the right to not participate in state composed prayer if felt unnecessary. The students’

parents sued stating it violated the Establishment Clause and their children’s First Amendment. This too

shall apply to Karen White just like the students felt in Engel vs. Vitale she should not have to participate

in anything that she does not believe in, or does not comply within her religion. She should not be

subjected to participate in birthdays, holidays etc. under any circumstances.

Artifact #6 Religion and Public Schools

I would like to present the case of Lee vs. Weisman (decided in 1992) for my second case in favor

of Bill Ward. A middle school principal had a Rabbi recite prayer at his school’s graduation. Both parents

and students felt that they were forcing prayer upon them at their graduation because it was school

sponsored. In this case the school board voted against school sponsored prayers during graduation. It was

unfair to have prayer because it was a graduation, and the students should not have been obligated to sit

through the Rabbis prayer in order to attend their own ceremony. Even though graduation is voluntary is

not fair for students to miss it. This case relates to that of Karen White because she is bringing her beliefs

upon her students by having them miss out on school activities and celebrations due to the her new

beliefs. She is denying the students the opportunity to participate in activities that other classrooms will

most likely have, only because she no longer believes in participating or celebrating them.

My second case I would like to present is in favor of Bill Ward is Helland vs. South Bend

Community School Corp( decided August 15, 1996). Helland a substitute teacher is no longer going to be

contacted by the school because of his religious beliefs, and not following his set teaching duties. While

working as a substitute Helland would carry around a bible with him in which he would read from to the

students. Helland would also hand out pamphlets while he was supposed to be teaching the lesson plan

left for him. Many teachers complained that he failed to do his job, and give the proper lessons to the

students. Helland did not carry himself as a teacher should around their students. Due to his actions

Helland was told that he would no longer be contacted to substitute in that school. This case relates to

Karen Whites because she is too failing at her duties as a teacher. Even though she is not reading from the

bible, or distributing fliers she not participating in activities that students and others teachers enjoy doing.

I believe that the Bill Ward does have the right to dismiss Karen White. Like in Helland vs. South

Bend, she is bringing her religion and involving her students in it. By not participating in these activities

kids are missing out on things that make school fun for kids to attend or participate in. I believe that it is

important for teachers to have an open mind, and take in consideration your students their different

ethnical backgrounds. Lee vs. Weisman teaches that teachers and principals should not force religious
Artifact #6 Religion and Public Schools

practices upon students. Karen White is not giving her students the same opportunity to have fun

activities in class, that others students have in other classrooms. If she is not willing to do her job

correctly, and set aside her religion for the sake of her students then she should be dismissed.
Artifact #6 Religion and Public Schools

References

Engel v. Vitale (June 24, 1962)

Facts and Case Summary - Engel v. Vitale. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2016, from

http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-

summary-engel-v-vitale

Helland v. South Bend Community School (August 15, 1996)

FindLaw's United States Seventh Circuit case and opinions. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2016, from

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-7th-circuit/1121261.html

Wisconsin v. Yoder (May 15, 1972)

Wisconsin v. Yoder. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2016, from

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/406/205

Lee v. Weisman (1992)

Underwood, J., & Webb, L. D. (2006). School law for teachers: Concepts and applications.

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.