Running head: RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Artifact #6 Religion in Schools: Karen White

Jennifer McNutt
College of Southern Nevada
10/17/2016

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Abstract
The subject of religion in schools is often a touch subject. It is true that not one religion can be
held at a greater value than another. At the same time, care must be given to not disrespect the
customs, values and beliefs of other individuals. The best way to do this is often hard to decide.
The following scenario is an example of one of the many issues surrounding religion in the
school system.

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

3
Religion in Schools: Karen White
Introduction

Mrs. Karen White is a kindergarten teacher. Furthermore, she is a practicing Jehovah

Witness by faith. In recent day Mrs. White notified parents, children, and families associated
with her classroom that she would no longer lead any projects or activities religious in nature.
She went on to state that these action violated her religious beliefs as a Jehovah Witness. Mrs.
White made it clear within the notification that she would no longer be decorating her classroom
for Christmas or leading gift exchanges for her students. Mrs. White also refuses to sing Happy
Birthday or say the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Bill Ward, the school principal, has since
recommended her dismissal based on her ineffectively meeting the needs of her students.
Pro Support
As a teacher, Mrs. White should hold educate her students about all cultures. This
includes the recognition of holidays (Underwood, p.216, 2006). It is important to understand that
these types of holiday programs should be educational in context. They should not be designed
around anyone certain religion alone. By Mrs. White refusing to honor the culture and beliefs of
the students she teaches, she is very likely conveying a message that her religion in far better
than theirs. One should look at the New York City Policy on Holiday Displays as brought forth in
the case of Skoros v. City of New York (2006). As stated therein all it should be the goal of
educators to create temporary holiday displays that reflect not just one but all customs, values
and beliefs of the community and students.
Moreover, the notification that Mrs. White made to her students and families applied that
she was refusing to comply with the Establishment Clause brought forth in the First Amendment

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

(Underwood, p.216, 2006). It is the duty of the school and Mr. Ward to insure the rights of all
students. The Establishment Clause/ Free Exercise clause states that the government cannot
sponsor just one religion (Underwood, p.216, 2006). In this case Mrs. White would be forcing
her students to follow the guidelines brought forth by her religion alone. In the case of Lemon v.
Kurtzman (1971), we are able to learn of the three prong test that can be used to justify
government involvement in religion. One must ask: 1. Does the action or policy have a secular
legislative purpose? 2. Does its primary effect neither advance nor inhibit religion? 3. Does the
policy or action foster an excessive government entanglement with religion (Underwood, p.210,
2006)? It is easy to see that Mrs. Whites new policy does not pass the test.
Con Support
It is Mrs. Whites belief that by forcing her to participate in activities that are against her
religion, she is being discriminated against. There is much literature about the protections of
religious freedoms of students. A student can even be excused from proticipating in a given
activity (Underwood, p.217, 2006) However, there is not much to say about that of educators.
Should they not be entitled to the same rights and freedoms? This case is very similar to a
currently active case, Yvonne Lemmons v. Southfield Public Schools (2016). It is being argued
in this case that it is discrimination to force a teacher to take part in a religious or holiday activity
of which is against their beliefs. Moreover, it is a direct violation of ones civil rights.
In another very similar case, Bein v. Warrenburg Central School District (1976), a
decision was made that the educator was not a fault under similar circumstances (Jehovah's
Witness Employees Holiday Celebrations Court Cases, n.d.). Even though Mrs. White would not
lead holiday projects and activities, it was never said that parents could not step in and do so
themselves. Secondly, Mrs, White did say she would not say the pledge. Yet, she is more than

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

willing to teach her students the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. As in Bein v.
Warrenburg Central School District (1976), Mrs. White would insure that her actions did not
leave a negative impact on her students, while still she maintained her own freedom of religion.

Final Thoughts
It is my belief in this case that Mrs. White should be required to maintain holiday projects
and activities. She should insure that the Pledge of Allegiance is said and sing Happy Birthday
on students birthdays as per the requirements of the Establishment Clause within the First
Amendment. As a teacher it is Mrs. Whites job to teach students respect of not just ones own
beliefs, but everyone elses as well. She should insure that all displays properly reflect the
heritage, customs, and values of all. Moreover, students should not be taught that one religion is
to be held at a higher value that another. This is something I feel strongly will happen if Mrs.
Whites behavior is allowed to continue. If Mrs. White is non-compliant with these orders her
termination should be upheld.

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

References
Jehovah's Witness Employees Holiday Celebrations Court Cases. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13,
2016, from http://jwemployees.bravehost.com/NewsReports/2001.html
Lemon v. Kurtzman, No. 89, 310 (June 28, 1971).
Lemmons v. Southfield Public Schools, 2:16-cv-10008 (Michigan Eastern District Court January
04, 2016).
Skoros v. City of New York, 04-1229-CV. (United States Court of Appeals Second Circuit
February 02, 2006).
Underwood, J., & Webb, L. D. (2006). School law for teachers: Concepts and applications.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.