Why this parent was completely unaware that their child was going to be taken off-campus to a church to do a service project, is beyond me!
Last I checked, elementary school field trips were voluntary and children were never taken off school campus without prior parental permission.
Now to the important parts… the parent objects to the service project which helps to feed starving children, because it was conducted in a “theologically-charged environment” (a church) and organized by “Feed My Starving Children,” a group which is a Christian non-profit.
The American Humanist Association (AHA) would rather see children starve, than allow public school children to participate in a service project that might allow them to link charity with Christianity.
They are quick to point out that they don’t mind “doing good,” but that it needs to be done by a different, unaffiliated, organization. Like who? And, really, what difference does it make? They weren’t preaching to the kids or throwing scripture at them. They were packing boxes to feed hungry children. Lighten up! And if you don’t want your child participating… OPT OUT!!! The other 20+ kids’ parents didn’t mind.
In school, children WILL learn about different religions. It’s called “social studies”! They will take field trips to places to be exposed to other cultures. There will be religious symbols in many of those places (especially museums!) And… oh my goodness… they may actually drive past churches on the way there! Are we going to get to the point where just being exposed to a church is an offense?
It’s time to grow up people! Stop throwing your temper tantrums because 98% of the population doesn’t agree with you.
You can read more about it here and here.
Photo Credit Christy Hidalgo Photography
