A School District Learns a Lesson After Showing a Promo for Same-Sex Marriage

Last month, students at Craig High School in the Janesville School District (WI) were shown a video that promotes same-sex marriage and condemns supporters of traditional marriage between one man and one woman, according to religious freedom advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).  This one-sided video shows students saying it is “insane” and “outrageous” that “only” 14-states (at the time the video was created) allow same-sex marriage.  According to ADF, the video also shows students responding to Christian objections to same-sex marriage.  Responses included, “Cry me a river, build me a bridge and get over it;” “You guys are basic and nobody likes you;” and “No one cares what you think.”  Clearly the video promoted same-sex marriage and attacked religious views to the contrary.

 

Well the school district came to realize the error of their ways, and ceased to show the video.

 

“Schoolchildren should receive an education that is free from ideological or political bias, and that does not disparage any of their beliefs,” said ADF senior legal counsel Jeremy Tedesco.  “Student indoctrination is inappropriate, especially on an issue as important as marriage.  Students and parents deserve better.  The district recognized its mistake and deserves to be commended.”

 

In a letter, ADF explains that Janesville School District “rightly determined that showing the video contravened its Academic Freedom and Controversial Issues in the Classroom policies,” and that the video’s “disparagement of religious beliefs opposing same-sex marriage likely violated the Establishment Clause.”  The letter also notes that the “Board of Education recognizes students’ ‘right to receive competent instruction in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice.’”  Moreover, the school’s policy “affirms that '[a]lthough teachers have the right to express their own viewpoints and opinions, they do not have the right to indoctrinate students.’”

 

ADF litigation counsel Jonathan Scruggs added, “Schools are wise to take an unbiased and objective approach when teaching about controversial social issues.  We commend the district for recognizing that the one-sided, anti-religious same-sex marriage video shown in class violated its policies and undermined parental authority.  We hope more school districts follow their lead.”

 

Are you aware of what’s being presented at your local school?  Take a lesson from this Wisconsin school district.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel