Suit filed to block public school graduation at church (Gays, Atheists, Oh My!)

[MrsSmith]

WillBowden  (1000+ posts)        Fri May-08-09 06:04 PM
Original message
 
Suit filed to block public school graduation at church (Gays, Atheists, Oh My!)
 Suit filed to block public school graduation at church

(Washington) A federal lawsuit has been filed to block a Wisconsin public school district from holding graduation ceremonies in the sanctuary of an evangelical church.

The suit was filed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on behalf of a graduating senior and several families in the district, challenges the Elmbrook School District’s decision to hold graduation ceremonies for Brookfield Central High School and Brookfield East High School at Elmbrook Church.

“Public schools should schedule graduation ceremonies at public venues where families of all faiths or none will feel welcome,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “Some parents and children do not feel comfortable attending commencement in this religious setting. Graduation is too important to leave some families out.”

The graduation ceremonies are scheduled for June 6 and 7.

The plaintiffs, who have chosen to remain anonymous, assert that they are extremely uncomfortable attending graduation at the church, given its religion-permeated environment. The plaintiffs also feel unwelcome at the church because it teaches that non-Christians like the plaintiffs, and even some denominations of Christians, will go to Hell.

http://www.365gay.com/news/suit-filed-to-block-public-school-graduation-at-church/

Those poor people, having to actually LOOK at religious symbols and books!! How HORRIBLE!!

 

Graduation services have been held at Elmbrook Church for Brookfield Central High School since 2000 and for Brookfield East High School since 2002, Luchenitser said.

Both schools have studied the issue and determined this venue was the best and most cost effective, said Mark Kapocius, staff counsel for Elmbrook School District.

Each year, a group of students from each school works with their principal to find the best location for graduation, Gibson said.

Elmbrook Church was picked to host the ceremonies because it can accommodate large crowds, it is air-conditioned and handicap accessible, and it has ample parking and a high-quality audio-visual system, Kapocius said.

 

Hatred knows no boundaries.

[franksolich]

Oh my.

.....they are extremely uncomfortable.....

I can't count the number of times I've been compelled to attend a public thing held in a location with things that make me uncomfortable, too.

But I must be more tolerant than these anti-religious bigots, because I put up with it.

[AllosaursRus]

Most of the time these are held where they have the room and can be prepared for such events.

Why is it, if these people that don't believe in the spiritual, it bothers them. If they are  seriously true to their word, then it should be no different than the city dump!

[jinxmchue]

I've mentioned it before and I'll mention it again: 19 years ago, our graduating class' song was "Friends" by Michael W. Smith and I and the other senior choir members proudly sang it at graduation.  No one complained, though I knew for a fact that there were atheists in my class (I was friends with a couple, in fact).

[JohnnyReb]

I'm offended that the DUmmies are offended by graduation being held in a Church.

I guess we'll have to have it down by the sewage treatment plant.

[MrsSmith]

I'm offended that the DUmmies are offended by graduation being held in a Church.

I guess we'll have to have it down by the sewage treatment plant.

Whoa, wait a minute.  If you are white, straight, and especially Christian, you have NO right to be offended, buster.   



 

[FlaGator]

This doesn't surprise me. I've seen enough movies to know what happens when demons are exposed to religious symbols...

[MrsSmith]

This doesn't surprise me. I've seen enough movies to know what happens when demons are exposed to religious symbols...

/\ H5

[RobJohnson]

This doesn't surprise me. I've seen enough movies to know what happens when demons are exposed to religious symbols...

 

I do find it odd that a public school is using a church for a graduation.

[Chris_]

The plaintiffs, who have chosen to remain anonymous, assert that they are extremely uncomfortable attending graduation at the church...

They're uncomfortable for good reason.  Us "fundies" often refer to that feeling as "conviction of the Holy Spirit".

[BEG]

I've mentioned it before and I'll mention it again: 19 years ago, our graduating class' song was "Friends" by Michael W. Smith and I and the other senior choir members proudly sang it at graduation.  No one complained, though I knew for a fact that there were atheists in my class (I was friends with a couple, in fact).

My cousin sang "Friends" at my wedding. I love that song.