Clergy on Campus
I’ve had several inquiries in the past about clergy visiting HPISD campuses. But this week I’ve had 3, specifically about local church leaders visiting students at McCulloch for lunch.
The surprising thing about the inquiries this week is that the parents aren’t flipping out about the religion thing, they just wonder how, in 2010, this is even possible. Like these 3 parents, I have no issue with the visits- I even like it- but, well, I don’t even know why it’s shocking, it just is.
So I chatted with principal Laurie Norton and HPISD communications guru Helen Williams- here’s the scoop. Clergy are treated like regular visitors and are required to follow the HPISD written policies for visitors. In addition, they are asked to follow a list of VERBAL rules. And, of course, they get Raptor’d too.
What are the verbal rules? I knew you’d ask. *Note: List below probably isn’t complete and is totally in my own words.
- Can’t run around trying to convert kids or discuss pretty much anything dealing with religion.
- Can’t hand out printed materials. (They’ve booted someone for this before)
- Can’t ask for information from students or ask students to fill out forms etc.
- Can’t invite students to activities, events, church- Nothin’.
- Can only interact with students who are members of their congregation.
Thoughts?
23 comments to "Clergy on Campus"
(head shaking, palm on forehead, thinking of end of the world)
But now that I know it’s okay to come in and chat up the students over lunch, I’m going to stop by to talk to them all about the raves I throw in empty Deep Ellum warehouses that start at 2:00am on Sunday nights. Won’t invite ‘em, of course. Just talk. Adult to student. Sweet.
Speaking of what visitors are allowed at school, what’s the story behind SMU having the fruitcake businessman from UP arrested for trespass? Saw that in the DMN.
can they show up and hand out “presents” ..unattended?
What a great opportunity to discuss with your kids what you believe and why you believe it. Kids will always have people wanting them to do something or participate in some organization or activity.
Enjoy your conversations – you might just learn something yourself.
Lars, I am glad you care, but, from personal experience, I know everyone is not following the guidelines. I am sure the intention is honorable, but access to kids at school should be limited, regardless of the intent.
Yes as a well educated adult I know that the anti-establishment clause of the US Constitution was hijacked by the Left and misapplied by activist courts. Its a pretty fundamental and well-known concept.
The clergy visiting the school are not employees of the state, they are not trying to convert kids, and they have been screened; not just “random priests” milling around the campus, you should know better than that, Kmom. The visitors are screened and informed of campus policies.
I think all this anger under the guise of “protecting our children” is really a cover for some bitter feelings toward organized religion.
The “Establishment Clause” of the Constitution simply means the US Govt. is restricted from declaring or establishing a religion.
Essentially, the law made it unlawful for Gov’t to inteferre w/ religion or religious movements.
It’s crafted purpose was to create an environment where religion and pluralism could exist freely w/out a threat of Govt censoring, stepping in, or arresting people or killing people because they hold to a certain and especially different religious belief than the Govt or the masses of the people it represents.
In the historical context, this constitutional law was a response to the frequent attempts of European Govts/empires to squeelch “un-official” or religious movements different from the Govt’s or Royal families. For example, many of the early founders/followers of the Methodist movement (even a popular religious expression of Park Cities people today), which began in England were killed or run off by British and Anglican officials and/or followers.
Any judicial or municipal action beyond this is sustained at best through “judicial” law and goes way beyond the Constitutional intent of the Establishment Clause.
We are living in a time where religious discussion is more important in our country than ever before. Americans need to re-learn to be courageous and bold. As I right this, I have people of various religions from all over the world telling me their beliefs in God. If anything, Americans and especially schools supported by American tax-payers should be training/educating their children on how to have meaningful dialogues with people of different faiths. We should be the world model on how to do pluralism well. I assure you, censorship is not the way or our hope!
If these had not been Christian ministers, in this neighborhood, everyone would have been freaking. Can you imagine a rabbi walking around the middle school? 10 moms would call the police and they’d probably have him arrested. At Bradfield a couple years ago, the PPPC class made some sweet menorahs in December and some jerky mother complained and had them taken down. Meanwhile, there were Christian symbols up on the walls everywhere and my own daughter was playing a shephard or sheep or in her 4th grade re-creation of the Nativity. Completely wack!
Leave a Reply