chiron64

<a href="http://web.delrionewsherald.com/story.lasso?-datasource=delrio&-table=newsa&-keyfield=ID&-op=eq&ID=6430&-search" target="_blank">This report</a> in my local news paper concerns a mentoring program at our high school. The Eskew Community Center mentioned in the article, where recruits are to be trained, is affliated with Grace Community Church, pastored by Eddie Eskew (whence the name of the center). This is a small church but includes many community leaders as members, including principals and teachers in the school district and, I think, one or two school board members. The woman heading the program works at the church, though I don't know in what capacity.

Is it just me, or does this collaboration appear to be a violation of the Establishment Clause? My first thought was that the church is trying to recruit new members. But even if it could be assured that mentors would never discuss religion with their charges, I think the school district is creating a too-cozy relationship with this particular church. Opinions?

Buffman

From what I read, and what you have revealed so far, I do not see any Establishment clause violation.

Are all the mentors members of that church? How does a student find themselves in the Mentor Program? Is it a voluntary program for the students or are they placed in it by an official school representative? Does the student's parent(s) play a role in requesting placement in the program? Is the parent permitted to monitor the activities of the mentor? How does this program differ from the Big Brother/Sister program?

<a href="http://www.bbbsa.org/" target="_blank">http://www.bbbsa.org/</a>

The closest BBBS affiliate is located in San Antonio. Perhaps you might wish to compare the programs. It doesn't seem as though one hour a week will accomplish the goal for which the program is being established....whatever that may be. What has prompted this local program? Is there a Catholic church in the community?

chiron64

Thanks for replying Buffman. At the moment the only information I have is from the news article. I guess that anyone can apply, church member or not. As for placement, it sounded to me from the article that students are to be paired with mentors by the school. I don't know whether they can opt out or not. I also don't know what kind of input the parent(s) will have, though I'm certain that they can request that their child not participate.

I couldn't find at their site (maybe I missed it) whether Big Brothers & Big Sisters is religiously affiliated, though it did mention Catholic Big Sisters. One of the problems I have with the local arrangement is that more than 85% of our students are Hispanic, which means that most are from Catholic backgrounds. But the program is sponsored only by this non-Catholic church. Also, the church has a reputation for aggressive recruiting.

I certainly have nothing against mentoring programs. Too many of our kids don't have good adult role modes as it is. But if this isn't an Establishment Clause violation, I think it's a pretty gray area given that a public school district is working so closely with a particular church.

Buffman

Having spent lots of years in Texas, and having helped select pilots for the U-2 program that used to be down at Del Rio, that's why I asked about the Catholic church. I feel sure that they are well aware of what is going on and if they had any misgivings, it would be well known within the community.

It's going to be very difficult to get concerned about a positive community volunteer program that could help some youngsters when the President of the USA is going to prayer beakfasts, declaring every-other day a day of prayer, and giving $30 million taxpayer dollars to faith based charities that have other agendas in mind.