Should a School Cancel it's Diversity Day because they want to exclude a religious group?
440574
shouldn't the whole point of "Diversity Day" be to hear about people from diverse backgrounds?\n\nit seems bizzar to exclude a certain group from such an event to me\n\nI dont think the school should have wanted to exclude anyone in the first place, a school should be a place where you can learn about the world without bias
964317
I think it would be illegal under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The school board is a public function. Having a prayer or some other religious observance centers out people who believe differently and it could even prejudice the proceedings against them. A person who leaves the room or just looks indifferent during the prayer might not get a fair hearing.
95423
Yes it is.  The constitution does not in anyway indicate that all languages must be represented by even government entities and Yahoo is a private organization.  They could exclude people based upon any factor if they wanted to. Private clubs for instance can exclude people based upon thier sex, religion, race, sexual orientation, disability, etc. I am not saying that they do discriminate,but constitutionally they do have that option.
426586
no schools will say they are striving for diversity and that it needed to be read.  If you were allowed to sue over that parents who were racist would be allowed to sue if a book praying blacks in a positive light was read in class.  so it opens up a hole can of worms\nAlso they may of read it because someone in the class has parents like that and they wanted to curb any teasing that may happen
856004
Nobody should undergo diversity training. It smacks of a totalitarian regime and is down right patronising. How dare people think that others need indoctrinating. FREE SPEECH. I don't think you should even post questions like this. Nobody would EVER get me on a diversity course. I don't need patronising by left wing lecturers.
426731
Singling people out no matter what the race, creed or color is wrong. I'm disappointed to hear that this happened especially on the elementary school level. It perhaps sent out a message, but one we are trying to avoid. As my school prepared for a MLK Day celebration one elequent speaker came to our school and said the following:\n\n(Yes, I'm paraphrasing)\n\n "In our day and age, I feel that sometimes people of my own race are bringing judgements upon themselves unnecessarily. They preach of equality, but when given the rights, want more. Yes, we cannot deny the treatment of Blacks was unacceptable. But must we dwell on the past instead of embracing the future? If we seek equality, why do we draw attention upon ourselves? Why have a "Black History Month?" Is there a "White History Month?" We are asking not to be set "a part." Yes we insist on our own month to celebrate our fine figures from the past? Shouldn't EVERY day of every month be a celebration of what these fine people did? We should live by their words, not force their word."\n\nI think what the world needs is to accept that we are more open-minded than we were 30-40 years ago. Sure, we have pockets of our population that will never be. But the change has been immense. Thank God! This speakers words spoken so elequently made so much sense to all those in that room that day. I think it brought the school together with a "sigh" of relief. All races realized we were working together.....no one is set apart. There is no need to favor a soul in our world today. We all prove who we are by being.....who we are. \n\nThank you for sharing the poem. My hope is that schools such as this, ideals such as this, practices such as this will so very soon be a thing of the distant past.
1169039
That's exactly it, though. We're NOT the minority, but we somehow shouldn't have any influence in this country according to many. And it's not equal treatment...equal treatment would be to include all religions into schools, etc, not to eliminate Christianity.\n\nAnd although it's tempting for many to do this (and I recognize you haven't), I can't stand it when people try and use the Constitution as a source for this - the only thing the constitution says is that the government shall make no laws with respect to establishment of religion...at least that's the gist although i don't have the exact wording in front of me. Last I checked, crosses and prayers do not force anyone to believe a certain way. Do people realize the founding fathers prayed before their meetings?
362767
Yeah, it's really big at my school.  People have printed up T-shirts for it and everything.  They've been handing out flyers and getting people to sign up for it for at least the past week now.  The gay rights group has gotten all the clubs on campus to participate - that's how I know about it, because my club is taking part.  \n\nFor those of you who don't know, it's a day where you pledge not to talk at all in rememberance of victims of homophobic discrimination and violence.  It's practical purpose is to bring attention to the issue and make people aware of the problem.  Really cool!
356044
Make an issue out of the single sex status of the other school.  Tell them you have ethical/religious issues with single sex schools and you will not stand for your son having to go to of those.  Not sure how to do that but it's food for thought.  Good luck.
698501
It is unconstitutional to discriminate against a person based on religion. Changing the constitution to exclude Muslims would set a dangerous precedent. Having said that, I wish we could block all Muslims from coming into our country. It is a religion that suppresses women’s rights, teaches that murder will get you into heaven, and its leaders have sworn to convert or kill all infidels. In other words, anyone that does not share their belief should be killed. It is a religion that if fully realized would set back civilization at least a thousand years.
757343
no, but I do not think the decision should be based just on gender- the student's sexuality needs to be a consideration as well
668468
No.  I would support discrimination based on not fitting in.  I don't care if it is national origin, race, ethnic background, religious beliefs, gender bending, what the hell ever.\n\nI have never had a problem working with people because of their origin, beliefs, or gender alignment.  And I mean queerer than a $3 bill.  I had a boss that was.  I enjoyed working for him.\n\nIf they don't fit with the team though, they are less than useless.\n\nCount my vote as a yes and no...
764030
You would have to check with your local school district. It is not a national holiday.
499798
Yes, but not with the intention of forwarding the cause of any religion in particular.  It is important to understand the backgrounds of people around the world, because in the US the people from around the world live in our neighborhoods.  I'm all for broadening the views of our society.  I do not, however, favor the teaching of things like Creationism in science classes.  I think that if religion is to be taught it should be taught in the context of religious history.
775188
they'd rather not look like appeasers to their bigoted and ignorant congregations.
312628
No. Being racist at my school would make you a social outcast. Our school is big on diversecity and holds a show every year that sells out to celebrate it.
725362
I thought that it sounded great until I read Coragryph's answer.  He is right, separating them is still discrimination.\n\nHowever, I do not see this country accepting his idea as easily as yours.  So I would say, let's shoot for your idea first.  Let the homophobes get used to it, then institute Coragryph's ideal.