This entry in the Sacramento Bee rather points out how the students' action was set up by their parents AND CHURCHES -who encouraged them to wear the shirts and refuse to take them off or change them. They were suspended, which of course set off nasty tantrums from the churches and parents who accused the PUBLIC school of violating their right of religious speech on campus. But frankly, what I DO like about this story is that one enterprising student wore an ANTI-CHRISTIAN tee shirt in response to them - of course he was suspended as well. I have thought for a long time that these religious "right" set-ups (and watch - in about a week, one of the christo-fascist law organizations will file suit against the school district - part of their effort to evangelize American law for Masters Falwell and Dobson) were just orchestrated events - maybe the school district should consider filing a countersuit against the churches and the parents for intentional harassment and attempting to force religious indoctrination in the public school...
Meanwhile, I have a lovely tee shirt that says: "So many christians. . .so few lions" that I'd be happy to wear if they want to start a little tee shirt "culture" war.
Now let me make one thing clear here - I have nothing against anyone's PERSONAL religious beliefs - but when you DEMAND that I have to be condemned by them AND governed by them, you are gonna have a big-ass problem with me. I take my right to religious freedom very seriously, and as a legal adult I am more than capable of making up my own damned mind about how and what I wish to worship. If a pseudo-christian doesn't like it - too bad. But if they are going to continue to issue these utter demands to persecute others, then it's time to let them get it right back. . .I'm sick and tired of these arrogant Americans who believe they can't honor their religious beliefs unless they are free to follow me around all day and proclaim that I'm "going to hell."
Anyway, here is the story. . .
Thirteen students were suspended from Oakmont High School Tuesday after refusing to take off T-shirts that condemned homosexuality as "sin" in anticipation of today's National Day of Silence.
The day is part of a nationwide effort to spread awareness of the discrimination that gay and lesbian youths say they often face in schools and in society.
Another student was suspended today after he declined to take off a t-shirt that Oakmont High School principal Kathleen Sirovy described as "anti-Christian" and "inappropriate." She said the student wore the shirt to protest the message students attempted to spread Tuesday.
Sirovy said all 14 students were given the option of taking off their t-shirts, which she said violated dress code because they were disrespectful of a particular group. When they refused, they were suspended for defying authority and for creating a disruption on campus, she said.
Sirovy added that the students suspended Tuesday said they had been directed by their parents and churches to wear and not remove the shirts. She was not sure what churches were involved.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/14248169p-15065566c.htmlHonestly - I wonder if some parents of OTHER students could countersuit these nutcases, their parents, and churches for attempting to coerce their children into a certain religious belief without the permission of the parents or the school and attempting to use their religious belief to intimidate other students.