XXX told me that the class had a debate on religious belief during the break today. I was amazed that the boys and girls, at this young age, had developed an interest and opinion on this topic. Good for them to have had a peaceful discussion on it ! XXX told me that almost the whole class said that he should believe in God. He came home fine, for which I felt happy for him.
Although I am pretty open to the belief that he may or may not have when he’s grown up, I hope he will be able to find it out through his own explorations, under no pressure. And I hope he will not lose, due to difference in belief, friendship of or respect from his classmates that he cherishes so much.
Is there a way that you could have an open discussion about this in class, and help the children understand it’s good for people to be open-minded, and accept that others can have different beliefs?
I would be curious about the discussion you may have. And thank you in advance for helping XXX have peace in his mind. Please let me know if I can be of any help.
to talk to students about religion, but students are allowed to talk to their peers about religion on campus. Also, religion can be taught in social and comparative studies in schools, but it cannot be preached or advocated in the classroom.
I think you have every reason to send this well written letter to the teacher. A parent has the right to express his/her concern regarding the kid. Imagine if this child is from a Muslim family or Buddhist family, the peer pressure to him from the whole class is quite offensive. I would commend the kid for being brave. At the age of 10 or 11, a teacher is still powerful to her students. That's why I think it's a great idea to send (or hand deliver) this letter to the teacher (then perhaps have a heart-to-heart talk). Canada, like USA, is a free country, you have the freedom to believe in God, Allah, Buddha, or none. I feel this is a great opportunity for this class to learn about diversity and tolerance.
Many people honestly believe that prayer is not allowed in the public schools. This is wrong. Unfortunately, this mistaken notion sometimes extends to teachers, principals and school boards.
Students have many opportunities to pray:
They can attend one of the over 350,000 places of worship in the United States, which promote "every conceivable creed, sect and denomination." 6
Prayer is allowed -- and in fact is a protected form of free speech -- throughout the public school system. Students can pray in school busses, at the flag-pole, in student religious clubs, in the hallways, cafeteria, etc.
If the school has as few as one extra-curricular student-led and student-organized group, then students have a legal right to organize a Bible or other religious club to meet outside of classroom time.
Yet, a great deal of effort is being expended by religious folks to require prayer in the classroom. Some reasons may be:
Sunday school and other religious instruction of young people within the houses of worship in the U.S. and Canada has largely collapsed. Percentage attendance is a small fraction of what it was two generations ago.
Some adults believe that to start the school day with a prayer will create an aura of solemnity and order among the students.
Others believe that prayer has magical powers. It will persuade God to protect the school and its staff and students. They may believe that prayer would have a beneficial influence on drug problems, school violence, teen pregnancy, etc.
Others feel that if the students are forced to recite a Christian prayer each day, they will come to realize that they live in a Christian country where the government and its institutions support Christianity.
The one place where prayer is not normally permitted is in the classroom itself when a class is in session. The latter would violate the principle of church-state separation which is defined by court interpretations of the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The separation principle is extended to Public Schools as an arm of the government. As interpreted by the courts, the Constitution's First Amendment requires that public school teachers, principals, and boards be religiously neutral:
They may not promote a particular religion as being superior to any other.
They may not promote religion in general as superior to a secular approach to life.
They may not promote secularism in general as superior to a religious approach to life.
They may not be antagonistic to religion in general or a particular religious belief in particular.
There has been a long history of conflict over school prayer. During the 19th century, there were continual conflicts between Protestants and Catholics over which version of the Bible was to be used in schools. During the 20th century, there were conflicts over the precise text of school prayers. "In New York, a committee of the State Regents actually tried to invent a 'nondenominational, nonsectarian' prayer that would presumably offend no one (save Atheist or nonreligious families) and still have the effect of appealing to an unspecified deity."
The law, as interpreted by various levels of courts, is rapidly evolving in this area. Speaking very generally, the law prohibits public schools from:
Requiring students to recite prayers in class. The main concerns of the courts appear to be twofold:
The compulsive nature of prayer. Although most state laws which attempt to allow school prayer usually permit the student to excuse themselves and wait in the hall, the courts still see an element of compulsion. By separating themselves from the rest of the class, the student risks later harassment and abuse by fellow students.
The risk of religious indoctrination. The 1st amendment of the U.S. constitution states that there shall be no law regarding the establishment of religion. The courts view prayer in the classroom to be one example of the government approving one religion over another. Even a student-selected, student-given, non-sectarian, non-proselytizing prayer still carries with it the stamp of approval of the state - i.e. the state approves of, and is seen to promote, belief in God (and whatever other religious content that the prayer might have).
The US Supreme Court ruled against mandated daily school prayer in Engel v. Vitale (1962). In 1963, it struck down laws in Pennsylvania and Maryland which mandated Bible reading and prayer.
Public prayers at high school games: Various courts have ruled that:
An individual student or group of students is free to pray at a game. To prevent this would violate the student(s) free speech rights.
Teachers, coaches, etc. cannot lead a group prayer. To do so would be viewed as school endorsement of a specific religion, which is unconstitutional under the principle of separation of church and state.
Student-led, student written public prayers are not permitted to be part of a game format. i.e. the school officials cannot insert a prayer into the schedule of a game, even if the actual prayer is led by a student. More details on this topic.
Promoting any one denomination or religion at the expense of another faith group or secular philosophy. For example, a comparative religion class must give a balanced description of religious and secular beliefs from a variety of faith groups and ethical systems.
Banning the wearing of religious clothing and symbols. This seems to be a growing problem throughout the U.S. In general, children do not abandon their religious rights when entering public school campuses. Religious clothing and symbols, if not disruptive, are a protected form of speech. More details on this topic.
Prayers before Board of Education meetings: The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of appeals decided on 1999-MAR-18 that the Board of Education in Cleveland, OH, cannot pray before their meetings. The court ruled that prayers are an illegal endorsement of religion. School board attorneys have not decided whether they will appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. 1
"Clergy in the Schools" project: A panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on 1999-APR-16 that a Texas "Clergy in the Schools" program is unconstitutional. The Beaumont Independent School District introduced this program in 1996. Local clergy led group counseling discussions in the school about morality and civic virtues . The students involved in the counseling were selected by school officials without prior notice to, or consent form, the parents. Prayer and discussion of religion, sex or abortion were not permitted. The clergy were not allowed to identify their church affiliation. Secular counselors were not permitted. The majority opinion of the panel was that the program "makes a clear statement that it favors religion over nonreligion." They were also concerned that the clergy were disproportionately Protestants. The found that the involvement of school officials in this project created an "excessive entanglement" between church and state.
Again, this is in a state of flux. As of early 1999, the following activities are permitted. In fact, they are more than allowed. They are constitutionally protected as freedom of speech, religion and assembly rights:
Graduation ceremonies: Some invocations, benedictions and prayers at graduation ceremonies. This is very much a gray area as far as court rulings is concerned. More details.
Teaching religion: The positive and negative effects of religion on society may be studied in history, literature, comparative religion, and other courses. Comparative religion classes are allowed, as long as one religion is not presented as being superior to any another, or as absolute truth. Bible study is allowed, as long as the texts from other religions are also studied. Schools can communicate the broad field of religion but not indoctrinate their students in a particular faith.
Student religious clubs: If the school receives federal funds, then it must obey the federal Equal Access Act of 1984. Students are free to organize Bible study and other religious special interest clubs if any other secular clubs are allowed. The school may prohibit religious clubs, but only if it prohibits all student groups. Religious clubs must be given the same access to school facilities (space to meet, permission to advertise on school bulletin boards, permission to have announcements read over the PA system, inclusion in the year book, etc.) as do other clubs. Group meetings must be "voluntary and student initiated." There must be no "sponsorship" of the meetings by the school. "Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend" the activities. One effect of this law is the flourishing of Christian clubs in public schools. The American Civil Liberties Union estimates that 10,000 Christian clubs are operating in U.S. high schools. 2 More information
Moment of silence: Having students engage in a moment of silence during which they can pray, meditate, plan their day, or engage in any other silent mental activity. In late 2000, a federal court affirmed the constitutionality of the moment of silence law which came into effect in Virginia on 2000-APR-1. The decision is under appeal by the ACLU. The Natural Law Project promotes this alternative. 4
Prayer outside of school building: Students can organize prayers on school property outside the classroom. e.g. they can conduct group prayer meetings at the school flagpole.
School religious speech: Students can carry Bible or other religious texts to and in school. They can pray before eating. A student can pray on the school bus, in the cafeteria, in classrooms before and after class, in the corridors, in the washrooms, etc. They can wear T-shirts with religious text. They can wear religious jewelry (buttons, symbols). They can hand out religious materials. They can freely talk about religion to fellow students, outside of class. They can pray before eating in the cafeteria. These are well-known freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Yet not everyone is aware of these forms of protected speech. Bill Keane's cartoon "Family Circus" for 1999-NOV-15 shows a mother waving at two children leaving the house. She says "Get to school safely." The caption reads "Chances are they will as long as they're allowed to pray on that old school bus."
Rental of school facilities: Many religious organizations rent school facilities after hours. Past court decisions generally supported this right, if rooms are also rented to secular groups. Court rulings specified that schools can refuse to rent to religious groups, but then they cannot rent to outside secular organizations as well. However, recent court decisions have split on this issue.
Teaching of evolution: Schools may require their teachers to explain evolution as a scientific theory, as supported by 95% of scientists. This would include teachers who might not believe evolution to be true because of their personal religious grounds.
Teacher display of religion: Teachers may be prohibited from displaying a Bible on their desk or from placing religious posters on the classroom wall. This would imply state support for a specific religion.
In summary, the law guarantees students' fundamental religious freedoms while requiring the school to maintain a religiously neutral environment. Sometimes the latter requires some limitations on teachers' freedoms. A 1996-JUNcourt decision by the US District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi covers many of the above items, including prayer over a school-wide intercom, a pre-school religious group, classroom prayer, teaching a Bible class and religious instruction in a history class. The text of the court order is also available on the Internet.
Never underestimate your own power. Being a minority, you (your kid) are enriching the life of the people in your environment. Without him (your son), the class misses a chance to learn some valuable lessons. This is the way child interacts with his/her environment and growth results this way (this is how child development is a bidirectional process).
The letter would appear friendlier, easier to accept by the teacher and less provocative if you could include the benefit to the entire class through dicussion on diversity, tolerance and respect for difference, as were highlighted in the response from 偶灯斯陋, IMHO.
Good luck! I wish my mum had stood by me more when I was a kid ;)
如果你认为孩子的权利受到侵犯，按照美国人通常的做法是将此事告到school district 或者法院来判决。因为美国的公立学校是不容许老师在课堂里进行宗教教育和practice的（学生可以个别私下进行，而不是在老师的领导之下。)，对某个宗教的推崇被看作是对其他宗教和具有其他信仰的学生权利的侵犯，而同时宪法又对那些自愿的个别行进行保护。如果是私立学校将不受这样的限制。
很多学校将Halloween称作为fall festival，圣诞节时搞活动成为holiday around the world而不是圣诞节庆祝. 如果事情发生在公立学校，可以说这个老师是很胆大的，因为是在讨论宗教还是传输通常个人理解不一样，尺度不好掌握，大多数老师不会碰这种事。法律容许教室内讨论宗教问题，但是不可以宣传任何宗教，不能说某一个宗教好于另外的。
林妹妹的英文写的很好啊。I would make an appointment with teacher and discuss your concern. His teacher may not want to reply you in writing due to the due to the sensitivity of the subject.
you should teacher your son that dont say he believes no god. that s like to say he cares no morals. god could be many interpetations. in chinese, dao is god.
you should teacher your son that dont say he believes no god. that s like to say he cares no morals. god could be many interpetations. in chinese, dao is god.
大儿子上小学四年级，今天回来说课间同学听说他不信上帝，都说他应该信，他一个人辩不过他们。我给老师写了封信让他明天带去。儿子觉得信写得不错，但老公说看不出有什么必要写这样一个东西。想问问大家，你们会怎么处理这事儿？先谢谢了。信如下：
Dear Mrs. XX,
XXX told me that the class had a debate on religious belief during the break today. I was amazed that the boys and girls, at this young age, had developed an interest and opinion on this topic. Good for them to have had a peaceful discussion on it ! XXX told me that almost the whole class said that he should believe in God. He came home fine, for which I felt happy for him.
Although I am pretty open to the belief that he may or may not have when he’s grown up, I hope he will be able to find it out through his own explorations, under no pressure. And I hope he will not lose, due to difference in belief, friendship of or respect from his classmates that he cherishes so much.
Is there a way that you could have an open discussion about this in class, and help the children understand it’s good for people to be open-minded, and accept that others can have different beliefs?
I would be curious about the discussion you may have. And thank you in advance for helping XXX have peace in his mind. Please let me know if I can be of any help.
Sincerely,
怎么融洽同子女的关系?
·不要监控孩子的电话，尊重其隐私权。
·对孩子的朋友要和蔼可亲，但不要同他们过于亲近。不要侵入他（她）的天地。
·不要在他人面前夸奖孩子，这样会使其尴尬。
·不要在他人面前批评或斥责孩子。如果必须要这样做的话，应该在无人的时候。
·母亲在他人面前要注意服饰。母亲的形象不整洁，孩子会感到羞耻。
·如果你的孩子参加学校的演出，他（她）在舞台上时你不要打手势，这样会令他（她）紧张，甚至出错。
·孩子和你一起坐自己家的车出门时，不要把汽车收音机调到你所喜爱的频道。让孩子挑选电台，但可要求他调低音量。
·在子女需要帮助时要给予帮助，但要注意方法。
·子女在一定的阶段就像需要食品一样需要爱抚，但是爱抚要适可而止，不要在公开场合这样做，更不要在朋友面前这样做。
·不要让你的孩子在外人面前表现他的“本事”，如朗诵、唱歌、跳舞或弹钢琴。如果你为他的本领自豪并希望让人家看到，那就对他提出请求。如果父母坚持让他们在外人面前表现本领，有的孩子会感觉自己像马戏团的猴子。
·不要向他的朋友和亲属讲他的怪癖，尤其不要当他的面前。任何孩子都不愿意别人知道自己的隐私。
·不要让他失去对你的信赖。他向你透露的秘密，你不要告诉别人。你一定要完全尊重他的意愿。
·在他面前不要说谎。他看到自己的父母说谎或弄虚作假，就会感觉不好。例如，父母在某人背后说坏话，而当面又装出热情的样子，孩子就会反感。
下页：父母教育是家庭教育成败的关键
发生事情，我经常和老师沟通，逢年过节表示感谢，沟通后，不同文化的理解，孩子适应的过程，儿童心理，和自己孩子性格特点，老师就会理解些，父母也会着重教育自己的孩子。普通人与人之间矛盾，往往是不理解造成的。当老师理解我儿子时，就会接纳，也会影响其它的孩子。我觉得有必要沟通。
在学校里的讨论是谁先起的头？是其他孩子，还是自己的孩子？处理方式会不同。
to talk to students about religion, but students are allowed to talk to their peers about religion on campus. Also, religion can be taught in social and comparative studies in schools, but it cannot be preached or advocated in the classroom.
要让其他小孩子决口不提God，好象很难。他们每周都去church。最好和自己的儿子谈一下关于自己和其他孩子们意见不同时，该如何和谐相处的问题。
还是觉得有必要。
你可以和你的孩子谈你的见解，谈讨论问题的方式和策略。但是，你这样写信给老师。有很大可能让你的孩子被孤立。特别是男孩。
can't convert students to his/her religion or influence students' beliefs in any way.
个人觉得这样的信好像不能给儿子在学校里加分。。。真要交出去的话，是不是让老公改改？真没恶意啊。。
看老师怎么回吧。如果能够很casual地跟同学们提一提各种信仰都OK，就很好了。
that "students' rights do not stop at the school door". Students' rights to religious expression are protected.
我跟儿子说，我自己通常说I believe in goodness: people should be good to others and the nature as well.
全班同学说卖当劳就是好吃，你娃应该吃卖当劳．你咋办？
我觉得如果孩子所在的学校大部分孩子是基督教家庭的话，家长应该及早准备孩子面对这种情况。可以说I'm not a Christian. 这样可以避免直接说 I dont believe in God.
无法改变别人，但可以接受自己。
要让老师知道的。学校和老师一定会去从中开导同学们的。宗教信仰是个人自由，这里是很重视的。
去年我女儿在学校圣诞PARTY前看见SANTA是骑着摩托车来学校的。 后来她说不信SANTA 了，是假的，全班统一她的就俩人。结果也是好多个同学群起攻之，说应该要相信圣诞老人。老师知道后把除我女儿等其它两个不信的同学外的同学都个别找去谈话。说明了宗教信仰个人自由，中间没有对错，不可以要求别人信你所信的。我是后来在家长会的时候老师告诉我这件事情，还叫我别让我女儿太UPSET了。
I think you have every reason to send this well written letter to the teacher. A parent has the right to express his/her concern regarding the kid. Imagine if this child is from a Muslim family or Buddhist family, the peer pressure to him from the whole class is quite offensive. I would commend the kid for being brave. At the age of 10 or 11, a teacher is still powerful to her students. That's why I think it's a great idea to send (or hand deliver) this letter to the teacher (then perhaps have a heart-to-heart talk). Canada, like USA, is a free country, you have the freedom to believe in God, Allah, Buddha, or none. I feel this is a great opportunity for this class to learn about diversity and tolerance.
不过老公说没必要写以后，我问儿子觉不觉得这封信会对他有所帮助？他说不知道。
的自由，那么，懂得The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution 的家长可以诉学校。
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm
RELIGION AND PRAYER IN U.S. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INTRODUCTION, CONSTITUTION, COURT DECISIONS, etc.
Overview:
Many people honestly believe that prayer is not allowed in the public schools. This is wrong. Unfortunately, this mistaken notion sometimes extends to teachers, principals and school boards.
Students have many opportunities to pray:
They can attend one of the over 350,000 places of worship in the United States, which promote "every conceivable creed, sect and denomination." 6
Prayer is allowed -- and in fact is a protected form of free speech -- throughout the public school system. Students can pray in school busses, at the flag-pole, in student religious clubs, in the hallways, cafeteria, etc.
If the school has as few as one extra-curricular student-led and student-organized group, then students have a legal right to organize a Bible or other religious club to meet outside of classroom time.
Yet, a great deal of effort is being expended by religious folks to require prayer in the classroom. Some reasons may be:
Sunday school and other religious instruction of young people within the houses of worship in the U.S. and Canada has largely collapsed. Percentage attendance is a small fraction of what it was two generations ago.
Some adults believe that to start the school day with a prayer will create an aura of solemnity and order among the students.
Others believe that prayer has magical powers. It will persuade God to protect the school and its staff and students. They may believe that prayer would have a beneficial influence on drug problems, school violence, teen pregnancy, etc.
Others feel that if the students are forced to recite a Christian prayer each day, they will come to realize that they live in a Christian country where the government and its institutions support Christianity.
The one place where prayer is not normally permitted is in the classroom itself when a class is in session. The latter would violate the principle of church-state separation which is defined by court interpretations of the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The separation principle is extended to Public Schools as an arm of the government. As interpreted by the courts, the Constitution's First Amendment requires that public school teachers, principals, and boards be religiously neutral:
They may not promote a particular religion as being superior to any other.
They may not promote religion in general as superior to a secular approach to life.
They may not promote secularism in general as superior to a religious approach to life.
They may not be antagonistic to religion in general or a particular religious belief in particular.
They may not be antagonistic to secularism.
They must neither advance nor inhibit religion.
Past conflicts:
There has been a long history of conflict over school prayer. During the 19th century, there were continual conflicts between Protestants and Catholics over which version of the Bible was to be used in schools. During the 20th century, there were conflicts over the precise text of school prayers. "In New York, a committee of the State Regents actually tried to invent a 'nondenominational, nonsectarian' prayer that would presumably offend no one (save Atheist or nonreligious families) and still have the effect of appealing to an unspecified deity."
What the constitution prohibits:
The law, as interpreted by various levels of courts, is rapidly evolving in this area. Speaking very generally, the law prohibits public schools from:
Requiring students to recite prayers in class. The main concerns of the courts appear to be twofold:
The compulsive nature of prayer. Although most state laws which attempt to allow school prayer usually permit the student to excuse themselves and wait in the hall, the courts still see an element of compulsion. By separating themselves from the rest of the class, the student risks later harassment and abuse by fellow students.
The risk of religious indoctrination. The 1st amendment of the U.S. constitution states that there shall be no law regarding the establishment of religion. The courts view prayer in the classroom to be one example of the government approving one religion over another. Even a student-selected, student-given, non-sectarian, non-proselytizing prayer still carries with it the stamp of approval of the state - i.e. the state approves of, and is seen to promote, belief in God (and whatever other religious content that the prayer might have).
The US Supreme Court ruled against mandated daily school prayer in Engel v. Vitale (1962). In 1963, it struck down laws in Pennsylvania and Maryland which mandated Bible reading and prayer.
Public prayers at high school games: Various courts have ruled that:
An individual student or group of students is free to pray at a game. To prevent this would violate the student(s) free speech rights.
Teachers, coaches, etc. cannot lead a group prayer. To do so would be viewed as school endorsement of a specific religion, which is unconstitutional under the principle of separation of church and state.
Student-led, student written public prayers are not permitted to be part of a game format. i.e. the school officials cannot insert a prayer into the schedule of a game, even if the actual prayer is led by a student. More details on this topic.
Promoting any one denomination or religion at the expense of another faith group or secular philosophy. For example, a comparative religion class must give a balanced description of religious and secular beliefs from a variety of faith groups and ethical systems.
Banning the wearing of religious clothing and symbols.
This seems to be a growing problem throughout the U.S. In general, children do not abandon their religious rights when entering public school campuses. Religious clothing and symbols, if not disruptive, are a protected form of speech. More details on this topic.
Prayers before Board of Education meetings:
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of appeals decided on 1999-MAR-18 that the Board of Education in Cleveland, OH, cannot pray before their meetings. The court ruled that prayers are an illegal endorsement of religion. School board attorneys have not decided whether they will appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. 1
"Clergy in the Schools" project: A panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on 1999-APR-16 that a Texas "Clergy in the Schools" program is unconstitutional. The Beaumont Independent School District introduced this program in 1996. Local clergy led group counseling discussions in the school about morality and civic virtues . The students involved in the counseling were selected by school officials without prior notice to, or consent form, the parents. Prayer and discussion of religion, sex or abortion were not permitted. The clergy were not allowed to identify their church affiliation. Secular counselors were not permitted. The majority opinion of the panel was that the program "makes a clear statement that it favors religion over nonreligion." They were also concerned that the clergy were disproportionately Protestants. The found that the involvement of school officials in this project created an "excessive entanglement" between church and state.
What the constitution allows:
Again, this is in a state of flux. As of early 1999, the following activities are permitted. In fact, they are more than allowed. They are constitutionally protected as freedom of speech, religion and assembly rights:
Graduation ceremonies: Some invocations, benedictions and prayers at graduation ceremonies. This is very much a gray area as far as court rulings is concerned. More details.
Teaching religion: The positive and negative effects of religion on society may be studied in history, literature, comparative religion, and other courses. Comparative religion classes are allowed, as long as one religion is not presented as being superior to any another, or as absolute truth. Bible study is allowed, as long as the texts from other religions are also studied. Schools can communicate the broad field of religion but not indoctrinate their students in a particular faith.
Student religious clubs: If the school receives federal funds, then it must obey the federal Equal Access Act of 1984. Students are free to organize Bible study and other religious special interest clubs if any other secular clubs are allowed. The school may prohibit religious clubs, but only if it prohibits all student groups. Religious clubs must be given the same access to school facilities (space to meet, permission to advertise on school bulletin boards, permission to have announcements read over the PA system, inclusion in the year book, etc.) as do other clubs. Group meetings must be "voluntary and student initiated." There must be no "sponsorship" of the meetings by the school. "Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend" the activities. One effect of this law is the flourishing of Christian clubs in public schools. The American Civil Liberties Union estimates that 10,000 Christian clubs are operating in U.S. high schools. 2 More information
Moment of silence: Having students engage in a moment of silence during which they can pray, meditate, plan their day, or engage in any other silent mental activity. In late 2000, a federal court affirmed the constitutionality of the moment of silence law which came into effect in Virginia on 2000-APR-1. The decision is under appeal by the ACLU. The Natural Law Project promotes this alternative. 4
Prayer outside of school building: Students can organize prayers on school property outside the classroom. e.g. they can conduct group prayer meetings at the school flagpole.
School religious speech: Students can carry Bible or other religious texts to and in school. They can pray before eating. A student can pray on the school bus, in the cafeteria, in classrooms before and after class, in the corridors, in the washrooms, etc. They can wear T-shirts with religious text. They can wear religious jewelry (buttons, symbols). They can hand out religious materials. They can freely talk about religion to fellow students, outside of class. They can pray before eating in the cafeteria. These are well-known freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Yet not everyone is aware of these forms of protected speech. Bill Keane's cartoon "Family Circus" for 1999-NOV-15 shows a mother waving at two children leaving the house. She says "Get to school safely." The caption reads "Chances are they will as long as they're allowed to pray on that old school bus."
Rental of school facilities: Many religious organizations rent school facilities after hours. Past court decisions generally supported this right, if rooms are also rented to secular groups. Court rulings specified that schools can refuse to rent to religious groups, but then they cannot rent to outside secular organizations as well. However, recent court decisions have split on this issue.
Teaching of evolution: Schools may require their teachers to explain evolution as a scientific theory, as supported by 95% of scientists. This would include teachers who might not believe evolution to be true because of their personal religious grounds.
Teacher display of religion: Teachers may be prohibited from displaying a Bible on their desk or from placing religious posters on the classroom wall. This would imply state support for a specific religion.
In summary, the law guarantees students' fundamental religious freedoms while requiring the school to maintain a religiously neutral environment. Sometimes the latter requires some limitations on teachers' freedoms. A 1996-JUN court decision by the US District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi covers many of the above items, including prayer over a school-wide intercom, a pre-school religious group, classroom prayer, teaching a Bible class and religious instruction in a history class. The text of the court order is also available on the Internet.
你这封信说实话写的太绕。老师不会在乎你在这问题上自己的感觉，她也不会把自己的想法掺进去。你提意见，她处理问题都只能从法律是否允许的角度。这点上倒是上次那个妈妈切入点比较正确。其实这事要是没有续集的话就算了吧。除非事态严重化，否搞下去没有赢家。
Never underestimate your own power. Being a minority, you (your kid) are enriching the life of the people in your environment. Without him (your son), the class misses a chance to learn some valuable lessons. This is the way child interacts with his/her environment and growth results this way (this is how child development is a bidirectional process).
谢谢各位的批评、鼓励、分享和建议。
这里倒没有输赢的concern，我在乎的是：
1.孩子孤军奋战，我想他确实在心里对自己产生了怀疑。这个我是可以开导他的，也跟他谈了我会怎么说。
2.怕班上同学认为他思想不好，对友谊发展不利，或有矛盾时拿这个说事，让儿子因为信仰的问题平白处于不利的地位。
细想起来，他前几天也提过信仰的问题。所以可能最近他们同学对这个话题比较感兴趣。如果老师能够在这个时候指导大家to be open-minded，对孩子的自由心灵会有积极影响。
不过小孩子们有这样的辩论，我还挺高兴的。也许确实应该先让孩子自己handle。
我现在象墙头草了，看到赞成的分析就觉得应该发，看到反对的分析也觉得有道理。。。睡一觉起来再做定夺。。。
>> 老师不会在乎你在这问题上自己的感觉，... 她处理问题都只能从法律是否允许的角度。
其实就是一种OFFENSIVE. 楼主的事例不是大家心平气和的讨论宗教, 而是大部分人在告诉她的孩子要相信他们所相信的, 所以就是一种OFFENSIVE. 如果对方是就是一个无信仰的, 或者是一个佛教徒或者是信仰伊斯兰教的家庭, 那么就是非常OFFENSIVE的. 你信你的, 为什么要别人也要信?
To: 林卡
The letter would appear friendlier, easier to accept by the teacher and less provocative if you could include the benefit to the entire class through dicussion on diversity, tolerance and respect for difference, as were highlighted in the response from 偶灯斯陋, IMHO.
Good luck! I wish my mum had stood by me more when I was a kid ;)
That means her son's rights should be protected. Free speech is not one way speech.
That means her son's rights should be protected. Free speech is not one way speech.
当然，你应该对孩子的学校和老师更加了解，如何做还得自己定夺，这一点孩子不一定能够判别。
就当成是接触一下对宗教方面的认识，然后再看他自己是怎么看待这个问题的，他会有自己的想法的。
可以和孩子好好谈谈信仰的问题，但是没有给老师写信的必要。其实这样的争辩对你孩子是有好处的，在成长的路上，孩子们都是需要慢慢认识到这个世界是多元化的。
听牧师的布道. 就无异于对孩子传教. 这应该不是楼主的选项
汇报：公立学校的老师，不可以在学校讲 ‘上帝是真的 或 上帝不是真的’这种话。
http://bbs.wenxuecity.com/znjy/1580643.html
如果你认为孩子的权利受到侵犯，按照美国人通常的做法是将此事告到school district 或者法院来判决。因为美国的公立学校是不容许老师在课堂里进行宗教教育和practice的（学生可以个别私下进行，而不是在老师的领导之下。)，对某个宗教的推崇被看作是对其他宗教和具有其他信仰的学生权利的侵犯，而同时宪法又对那些自愿的个别行进行保护。如果是私立学校将不受这样的限制。
很多学校将Halloween称作为fall festival，圣诞节时搞活动成为holiday around the world而不是圣诞节庆祝. 如果事情发生在公立学校，可以说这个老师是很胆大的，因为是在讨论宗教还是传输通常个人理解不一样，尺度不好掌握，大多数老师不会碰这种事。法律容许教室内讨论宗教问题，但是不可以宣传任何宗教，不能说某一个宗教好于另外的。
你反映的是老师是如何引导讨论的。如果你的孩子在表示了不同意见之后，其他孩子鼓励他信上帝，这个讨论方向错了，讨论不能涉及个人宗教信仰，老师甚至没有权利过问谁是基督教，谁是伊斯兰教这样非常个人的问题。这位老师缺乏控制讨论的能力，除非他有意识要这样做，希望这不是他的本意，因为这会给他带来很多麻烦，甚至法律官司，更会丢掉工作。在讨论中老师应该告诉学生，大家有不同的信仰，老师可以讲世界上有多少种宗教，发展历史如何，同时将讨论引向宗教意外的其他方面的信仰问题。另外在进行宗教问题讨论时老师绝对不可有个人倾向。如果你认为教师的讨论影响了你的孩子同其他学生的关系 （这是非常可能的，有些宗教歧视无宗教和非本宗教的人），那你应该同校长交流，至少要求老师再讲一次，用正确的方法讲述宗教的多元化以此来纠正前次的错误。如果，你同意你丈夫的看法，也可息事宁人，如果再次发生那不要放弃自己的权利。做个真正保护自己孩子的母亲。与此同时，要同孩子讲宗教多元化，和既尊重他人也尊重自己的选择，由此保护他的自信心，当孩子的想法不是同大多数人一样时通常造成孩子自信心的疑问。
你的信太不直接，没有必要转弯抹角，当成个问题，直接指出问题所在，如果想downplay可以采取让他过去的方法。
• 你儿子不是在教会学校吧？ -ttmum- ♀http://bbs.wenxuecity.com/znjy/1580643.html
用shut up的方式来处理这个问题给孩子带来什么样的信息呢？
不谈法律问题，就事论事。
面红耳赤，形成小团体或孤立某学生。
楼主（大多数家长）怎么办？的确希望老师引导一下。（从既尊重他人也尊重自己的角度）
如果是因为语言不通，种族肤色，体型。。。受孤立，老师会介入。
------------- 汇报：公立学校的老师，不可以在学校讲 ‘上帝是真的 或 上帝不是真的’这种话。http://bbs.wenxuecity.com/znjy/1580643.html
这个规定，也是保护了无神论。就象我的师母说的，“这是个反神的社会。。。”
一方面每一个钱上都有
“ IN GOD WE TRUST ”。另一方面用shut up的方式来处理这个问题。
是挺费解的。
回答: 拿张美元钞票给你儿子看:) 由 胡桃架子- 于 2011-10-23 12:56:21
IN GOD WE TRUST
http://blog.udn.com/frankyang2004/570586
6
可以看着玩：国家宝藏---尼古拉斯凯奇 主演 来源: lihuama 回答: 架子，请看一美元钞票设计上所隐藏的阴谋。 由 西西妈 于 2011-10-23 17:14:042004年国家宝藏1——独立宣言，
2007年国家宝藏2——黄金之城
回复数：112011.国家宝藏3---星石谜雾
National Treasure 1 (2004) - Trailer来源：http://baike.baidu.com/view/2398.htm
美国总统宣誓就职时为何手按《圣经》？为什么不向人民宣誓？权力是人民赋予他的，又不是上帝授权给他？
最佳答案 跟美国的宗教文化是有关系的，美国很多人信奉基督教。所以向上帝宣誓被认为是很圣洁的。对上帝所做的承诺是很郑重的。美国总统宣誓就职，为什么手按《圣经》？ 2009-1-21 21:40 提问者：Doddie | 浏览次数：2461次 美国不是一个宗教信仰自由的国家么？总统宣誓就职手按圣经，而且在演讲中也讲到上帝，那是不是说美国总统是不为不信仰圣经的人服务的？ 如果当选的美国总统不信仰主的话，是不是他就不能宣誓当总统了？
2009-1-22 01:05 最佳答案 美国总统就职宣誓没有要求一定要用圣经,大罗斯福就没有. 但是一般来说, 几乎每个都这么以表示虔诚. 每个美国总统至少名义上都是基督新教徒(肯里迪是例外, 天主教), 所以用圣经发誓也合乎国情和常理. 法律上来说, 你如果是佛教徒, 就职总统想手按金刚经发誓, 那也完全没问题. 问题在于, 佛教徒在一个大多数人是基督教徒的国家要当选总统太难了.
洗脑是两回儿事。圣经只让人为善，为爱，为感恩，为谦卑，为喜乐，不是教人愚昧。孩子虽然是父母所生，但他是独立的，他有他选择人生信仰的自由和权力。父母过分的干预或说是引导，对孩子不一定是好事。因为谁能保证父母的正确性那？
可以看着玩：国家宝藏---尼古拉斯凯奇 主演 来源: lihuama 回答: 架子，请看一美元钞票设计上所隐藏的阴谋。 由 西西妈 于 2011-10-23 17:14:042004年国家宝藏1——独立宣言，
2007年国家宝藏2——黄金之城
回复数：112011.国家宝藏3---星石谜雾
National Treasure 1 (2004) - Trailer美元更是个大大的阴谋，不只有一元钞票才有吧：）
哎．．．我还不如接着看lost symbol算了..
也是从没在意过。后来经人提示，才知道，所有的钱上，不管大小，都有那句话。
老师的介入只能是要你说英语或者不说话
我经历的 老师是这样引导的：
我老大来的时侯6岁，直接上一年级。
英语听说一点儿不会。
他的老师专门给全体孩子开了一个会。主要就是说，“大家都要跟 某某同学 玩。。。”
具体还说什么了，儿子就不知道了。
从此，儿子在学校不再孤单。
如果这件事发生在美国的学校，你写信可能有点用。在加拿大的学校，你写这信，除了自己觉得好一点外，啥用也没有。另外你写信的格式有问题
When can my wrighting would be like this? Good English!
我大儿子二年纪, 一直上公校,从KINDERGARDEN就一直和我讨论有没有上帝的问题. 北美绝大多数人都是天主/基督教徒,当然还有犹太和伊斯兰教和其他宗教, 我们从大陆来完全不信教的绝对是少数. 不但是孩子,我在单位也不时会碰到同样的话题.
每次触及着这个话题, 我一直坚持几点: 我不相信上帝的存在;我不肯定上帝的不存在;他有自己判断和选择的权力;如果他有兴趣,我可以带他去教堂或其他庙里听经.
一年级的时候, 他对我来说班上有孩子说不信上帝的孩子到了二十岁就会死.我还是用一贯的口气告诉他这不是真的,爸爸妈妈都不相信上帝的存在,仍然可以做一个正直的人.
到现在为止,他还没有接受我带他去听经的邀请.
我自己小时候对宗教很有兴趣了解, 所以不介意这方面的讨论. 也许是自己的不介意,我倒觉着很享受这样的讨论, 也没有希望老师来诱导的想法.
倒是小儿子一直在教会学校里(一年级以后会回公立系统),因为宗教是必俢课,反而没有这方面的问题.
感觉你偏离了这个讨论的主题。不是信与不信，谁好谁坏的问题。
基督教常给人初始的美好感觉，就像你所说的那样。如果你保持open的心态，多接触多了解，重要的是以思考探索的心态去考虑基督教的问题，也可能会有另外的认识。
我因为个人家庭的原因，每周去两次教会，全程参与所有的活动，对基督教有了一些有别于你的认识。给我最深刻的印象是，象所有一神宗教一样，基督教徒对不信宗教或信其他宗教的人有一种定式的优越感，你也可以理解为轻视和歧视。
无意与你争论，宗教信仰源自内心，不是一个孩子可以想明白的并作决定的。
感觉你偏离了这个讨论的主题。不是信与不信，谁好谁坏的问题。
基督教常给人初始的美好感觉，就像你所说的那样。如果你保持open的心态，多接触多了解，重要的是以思考探索的心态去考虑基督教的问题，也可能会有另外的认识。
我因为个人家庭的原因，每周去两次教会，全程参与所有的活动，对基督教有了一些有别于你的认识。给我最深刻的印象是，象所有一神宗教一样，基督教徒对不信宗教或信其他宗教的人有一种定式的优越感，你也可以理解为轻视和歧视。
无意与你争论，宗教信仰源自内心，不是一个孩子可以想明白的并作决定的。
林妹妹的英文写的很好啊。I would make an appointment with teacher and discuss your concern. His teacher may not want to reply you in writing due to the due to the sensitivity of the subject.
我今天还是把改后的信带去了，主要是希望老师能鼓励一个宽容的环境。等老师有了回应再给大家update。
楼上有几位指出英文有错，可惜没有具体指出来，给我一个学习的机会。
加拿大虽然提倡是多元文化，实际上是非常保守的以白人为上的，特别是政府及学校系统。所以老师及学校更倾向于不做什么， 也不太多地与家长沟通。
美国因学校而异，很多老师比较注意与家长的沟通， 也比较多地会接到家长的ＥＭＡＩＬ甚至投诉。
格式不对的是指你的信很正式，虽然流畅，但更像一封投诉或自己要出口气的感觉。
其实同学中的这些small talk很多，涉及到Ｇｏｄ， 老师不会说什么。
do not send the letter.
you should teacher your son that dont say he believes no god. that s like to say he cares no morals. god could be many interpetations. in chinese, dao is god.
do not send the letter.
you should teacher your son that dont say he believes no god. that s like to say he cares no morals. god could be many interpetations. in chinese, dao is god.
VERY lame ;)