What Kelly Said

I came across a post by Wym that talked about religion in the public school system and after I commented on her post I knew I had more to say especially around this time of year.

Imagine that.

Here’s the bottom line [look there I will give you my bottom line opinion first so technically you don’t even have to read my justification and can skip to the comments. I am too nice.] I don’t think that religion has any place in our public school system.

Period.

No ifs, ands or buts.

I grew up a Jewish girl in a very Christian area of Central Texas. I was one of two Jewish kids in my entire high school. At times when I was younger [in elementary] it was hard. I can remember parent’s of friends not letting their child play with me.

I remember praying to God at night telling him that my family and I didn’t deserve to go to Hell because we weren’t bad people and that I hoped He still loved me.

I rememeber making Santa Christmas cards every year to bring home to my parents.

I remember having to say the Lord’s prayer before track meets and being the only girl who didn’t know the words.

My problem with religion in public schools is that public schools are funded by tax dollars.

My tax dollars.

I pay my school taxes every year and the last time I checked so did all the other members of my community.

I am Jewish. I am sure there are Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Christians, etc…whom also all pay school taxes.

So why should my child [or me when I was younger] be subjected to religion in my state run school when people of ALL religions pay taxes to that school system?

How is that fair?

If you want your child to have religion in their school then send them to a privately funded private school.

If you can’t afford private school then teach them about religion in your home and through your place of worship.

I know this is a touchy subject but it is one that I am so passionate about because I don’t think it is fair for any child to feel as alienated as I did at certain times in my life.

I know we live in a country that gives us the gift of freedom of religion. I feel like we are slowly and surely rubbing away what that means. The religious right movement in this country scares me and it has crept into our public school system and it is growing.

I honestly feel like maybe this is a point you won’t get until you aren’t the majority. You have to be the minority to see how it effects you. When you are the majority it doesn’t seem like what you are doing is offensive until you get a taste of the other side.

In the end, this is my long winded way of saying that as long as everyone’s tax dollars go to fund public schools then no religion belongs in that safe place where we send out children to learn.

**Edited to add: please be respectful in the comments section. Everyone has different religious/non-religious views. I have and will continue to delete comments that I find to be hurtful, rude or bullying to any one of any religion or of no religion. I understand that religion is a sensitive topic but ask that everyone please be respectful.