Viti

I received an email from a member of our local Humanist organization. It seems her son came home with a flyer for Cub Scouts, they were being passed out at school by the PTA. Is this legal now that the BSA has openly admitted to excluding atheists? What should she do? WHat can she do?

Toto

hmm. The PTA is not a public body, but the school is allowing them to pass out literature to children, implying official endorsement. Sounds like it could be a problem.

The No Child Left Behind Act guarantees the Boy Scouts the right to use public facilities, but then all relgious groups have that right these days.

Viti

Sure, but do they have the right to pass out flyers and promote/recruit during school hours? It sounds as if these were adults passing out the info.

GaryP

At my elementary school, we are given flyers to pass out every year.

And , a few times in the past, a representative af the scouts has been permitted to go from room to room and give a short recruitment presentation.

Around here, the scouts are right there next to mom and apple pie. The fact that they openly discriminate does not seem to be on most people's radar screens.

Awhile back, a local reporter contacted me for a comment about the scouts.

She was doing an article about the local scout reaction to the controversy concerning Gays. When I told her that I supported the Gay position but that it would be nice if she included the issue of Atheists, she said "No, thanks. But I'll pray for you."

crazyfingers

Time to write a letter to the editor.

GaryP

I did write to the editor complaining about this unprofessional behavior. He never responded.

Every time I see an article about Atheist scouts, I send it to her. She has never responded.

In fact, about two or three times a week, this reporter has a FRONT page story about some local religious activity. Of course, on Saturday they have a whole section for local religious propaganda.

I have complained about that practice also. The editor actually did write back once regarding this. He said, "We will take your comments under advisement."

I think this does happen a little less often than it used to.

wildernesse

I think that as long as the school would allow other organizations to pass out information to students, then Boy Scouts should be allowed to pass out information.

I think that the only option a parent has when a child comes home with information from school (or anywhere else for that matter) that views the world in a way the parents feel is wrong, then the parents should explain what is wrong about the information and why they and their family won't be participating.

--tibac

GaryP

LadyShea--

IMO, you have two options.

1) Let the school officials know how you feel. If any local groups have taken action against the scouts for any reason, such as maybe a liberal church which no longer allows them to meet there or perhaps the United Way in your community no longer funds them (as has happened in a few places) Maybe you could enlist their help.

2) Start your own group that excludes no one but Christians and ask to pass out YOUR propaganda.

Viti

Well, our school district is already in trouble for ignoring the law about prayers at graduation ceremonies. Their attorney advised them against it and they stand to lose millions in Federal funding. Mel Lipman of the American Humanist Association and a representative of the ACLU were loudly heckled when they tried to speak to the school board...called names, told to sit down and shut up, you name it.

I guess there is not much she can do...if anyone thinks of anything, let me know.

wildernesse

Good grief, the school board should have called for order--and if that didn't work, kicked the hecklers out. You don't have the right to be part of a public hearing when you can't behave.

--tibac