Case
I Love Jesus

For three consecutive Fridays, a public school first grade teacher has worn a tee-shirt that states in bold letters "I Love Jesus." When the school principal asks the teacher to not wear religious inscriptions on her apparel again, the teacher states that just because she is entering a school as an employee, her civil rights cannot be stripped away. She threatens a suit against the principal. Does the principal or teacher have legal grounds for his/her assertions?

Posted on: 09/09/14 | Views: 2193
Solution #1
The principal has legal grounds for his assertions; the teacher does not. She has civil rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. However, she cannot legally share her religious affiliation with her students. Wearing a t-shirt like this does so.
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Solution #2
First of all no court in their right mind would back the teacher. The teacher does have her constitutional Rights, But, the Constitution also states "Separation of Church And State" and this took place in a public school which receives public funding and as a result is part of the state. If you think about it you wouldn't be able to wear a shirt that says I hate Jesus either, it works both ways. So, no the teacher has no right to wear the shirt and the principal has the right to confront here as he did.

I found this study to be very interesting.

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Solution #3
The teacher wearing this shirt is highly inappropriate for a public school. The principal was right in this situation as she cannot openly express her political or religious opinions as an educator in a schooling environment. There is a clear separation of church and state and if she does wish to be able to wear this shirt in school then perhaps she should consider teaching at a private school of her chosen religion.
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Solution #4
Wearing this shirt is completely inappropriate, as it goes against the ethics of sharing ones religious affiliations with students. The principal definitely has legal grounds while the teacher does not. It would be best that the teacher ceases to wear the shirt and follows the ethics code on this issue.
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Solution #5
I also agree that unless the class shares scholarly information about all different religions such as a World Religions class, Christianity should not be taught or encouraged in public schools. The teacher cannot be wearing this shirt no matter her freedom of speech.
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Solution #6
The teacher is in the wrong because it hinders the right of religious freedom for the students. A small cross or hijab is one thing, but the shirt is advertising the religion.
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Solution #7
The principal has the right to take further legal actions, it is a work place where she does not have the right if her employer says so. Separation of school and religions.
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Solution #8
I think that the two adults should have a discussion and try to compromise. The teacher should have civil rights, but if it poses a problem it needs to be compromised in a way that fits everyone's needs.
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Solution #9
This case hits home with me. I currently teach middle school in what we call "The Bible Belt Area" where speaking of religious beliefs is acceptable and often takes place. Honestly, my assistant principle has encouraged me to discuss religion with my students if they happen to question it. I, personally, would wear a religious t-shirt to school and I possibly have in the past with no consequences. However, for this particular case, I feel that neither the school nor the teacher have legal grounds in this situation. The teacher is simply expressing her religion. Now, if she were to force her beliefs on other faculty or staff members or students, then there is a problem. Simply wearing a shirt should not be an issue. The wording is not inappropriate just because it may offend some people with different beliefs.

Although I feel that the other solutions are most closely aligned with the legality of the situation presented, the solution/situation you present is one that I see in my school system. We are encouraged to discuss religion. We have a moment of silence each morning when we have announcements. The Lord's Prayer is said at football games. Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as other athletic groups, within my school have bible verses on their school tees. It is an integral part of our school system. It isn't a requirement for anyone to believe or worship. However, the line isn't clearly drawn. The "separation" isn't so separate!

Unless the class shares scholarly information about all different religions such as a World Religions class, Christianity should not be taught or encouraged in public schools.

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Solution #10
I believe that the teacher has legal grounds due to the fact that state and religion is deemed legally separate. Also, one representing their particular faith or belief does not dismay the fact they are an effective teacher. This situation can be seen as reflecting a similar situation where a principal tells a openly homosexual teacher not to bring their companion to a school football game where they teach. It doesn't mean that they have the set agenda to religiously or ethically influence their students. Teachers are people too and it is important for employers to remember that fact.

Teachers are definitely people too, however a gay teacher and their partner would not openly express PDA at a school event for all to see. They would practice self restraint because it would be inappropriate for the environment. If they were at a restaurant, a museum, or the mall they could express themselves as they pleased. The teacher can wear her I Love Jesus shirt at the grocery store, at church, at the park, but not at school where it would be inappropriate. It's a matter of context.

Not a big fan of this concept and discussion so I should not comment.

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