Tessie Christie

October 12, 2015

Portfolio #6
Religion in schools is a very touchy subject and can raise many issues. When it
comes to relieving a teacher of their duty based on their religious beliefs it is wrong.
Although Mrs. Karen White was not able to participate in certain activities it does not
mean they still could not be incorporated in her classroom. I feel her dismissal was on
wrongful grounds.
ILLINOIS EX REL. McCOLLUM v. BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SCHOOL
DISTRICT NO. 71, CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ET AL. In this case the school
system was trying to use taxes to aid religious instruction but was restricted from doing
so. Although I do not agree with teaching straight from the bible, religion was an
important part of history and vital to be taught in schools. It may be seen that religious
instruction should not be used it is essential just as Mrs. Whites religious beliefs were
essential to her life style. Both cases do not effect a childs learning and in one aspect
enhances their learning. Neither of these have grounds for dismissal.
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 ET AL. v.
ALLEN, COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION OF NEW YORK, ET AL. The case is about
"law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, in
regards to textbooks being used in parochial schools. If textbooks are used with religion
why Mrs. White would be dismissed for her religion even though she is not incorporating
it into her classroom. In this case we are able to see where religion is not exiled from
schools.
EDWARDS, GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA, ET AL. v. AGUILLARD ET AL. This
case is in regards to teaching evolution in schools and trying to prevent its teaching. If
evolution is banned from school, religious related things should be too. Although Mrs.
White is not teaching religion, her religious beliefs limit and affect her teachings. Based
on these two cases I see where the school has grounds for Mrs. Whites dismissal.
LAMB'S CHAPEL et al. v. CENTER MORICHES UNION FREE SCHOOL
DISTRICT et al. At this school religious bible clubs were not allowed because it was not
included in the enumerated purposes of the school. The school has to make equality
present with religious activities. Mrs. Whites religion prevented her from teaching to her
fullest abilities. The school board had every right to dismiss Mrs. White when looked at it
from this aspect.
Overall the dismissal of Mrs. White was wrong. She may not have been able to
sing Happy Birthday or recite the Pledge of Allegiance but that does not stop the rest
of the class from being able to do it. Mrs. Whites personal affiliations out of work are for
her. If she were dismissed from her job it would violate her rights. This case is touchy
but her dismissal would be wrong.