As a Christian who firmly believes in seperation of church and state this is most distressing. But its not because it's a muslim school. I'm equally as distressed if christian organizations get federal money. Look no further than the Office of Faith-based Initiatives.
Now I know some are gonna immediately jump on me as Bush basher or something. But that would be totally missing my point. NO tax dollars should go to ANY religious entity, regardless of affiliation. I just don't want this thread to degenerate into a muslim-bashing forum. None of us are in position to judge others religion.
IMO the separation of Church and State should be something that ALL Americans - be they "liberal" or "conservative" embrace with fervor. This IS NOT a theocracy - something the founding fathers were escaping when they wrote the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence - and ANY intrusion of ANY religion into a FEDERALLY SUPPORTED program is 100% UNCONSTITUTIONAL. As it SHOULD ALWAYS BE!
I personally oppose having ANY religious programs or statements on school property. Religion belongs at home or at the place or worship of your choice. IMO there should be ZERO sanctioned religion of ANY SORT at ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL. Of course students can believe whatever they like and discuss it privately with their friends, but no assemblies, public proclamations, no preaching or "witnessing, no bible studies, no prayer groups, no prayers, no FCA, no visible "statement" shirts, stickers or buttons (personal jewelry is fine) - NOTHING on school grounds that promotes, endorses, attempts to influence, or even encourages ANY religion.
School is for learning and unless the school is a PRIVATE entity (where they are free to promote ANY religion or belief) RELIGION is not a part of a Govt supported education, or affiliated extra curricular activity. If it is held at school, promoted at school and the participants are restricted to only enrolled students at that school, religion should NOT be a part of it. IMO, we don't need as "minute of silence" daily either.
What ever happened to religion and religious instruction/participation being the domain of the PARENTS, outside school?? I would NOT want someone at the local public SCHOOL instructing MY CHILD on religion or religious beliefs...that is MY right - and my responsibility. I want to control what they learn or are told - and especially by whom. I often do not feel certain teachers and adminstrators are effective educators - why would I want that person giving my child religious instruction? And I certainly do not want other students influencing my child - peer pressure is difficult enough to deal with without a "God endorsed" element.
ALL public schools should be held to the same standards - no matter WHAT religion or belief is involved. Christians or Muslim or Jewish or whatever - eliminate ALL religion at ALL public schools and this will cease to be an issue and there is no "grey" area.
My Opinion
