Faith and Freedom Network

Truth Bible Club has been trying to gain recognition since 2001, but has been blocked because it holds to a Christian code of conduct.

Administrators at Kentridge High School have called the club discriminatory because it's name excludes other religions and it's bylaws require voting members to sign a statement that affirms that they believe the Bible.

Six years ago, Sarice Undis, a senior, and Julianne Stewart, a junior, simply wanted to start a Bible club that would create a group of kids that could, according to court documents, "express the love of Christ and His soul-saving grace through character, speech, conduct and behavior."

That would seem to me to be a positive thing in light of the public school system's many challenges.

They also wanted to define the club by requiring voting members to, "swear allegiance to Jesus Christ" by signing a statement affirming "the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God."

The school said, "no" you can't do that.

The girls filed suit and last July (2006) the suit became a federal case. (Read story).

Chuck Lind, the lawyer for Kent, said the problem was the exclusive, Christians-only criteria for membership.

It's interesting that most clubs or sports teams are formed around certain criteria that "could" be considered exclusive, but are not by the same administration.

You will note that even Judge Raymond Fisher, according to the Seattle PI article, asked the school district's lawyer about the district's Gay-Straight Alliance, pointing out that it exists for those "who believe in a gay way of life."

The lawyer, changing directions a bit, replied the district is "an arm of the state" and cannot sanction any group that excludes races or religions from membership.

In fact the lawyer, a Mr. Tierney, characterized the case by saying "I do not believe a group of skinheads could create an Aryan Club and call it, 'God Only Loves White People' and expect the student body to charter it."

Last week, a unanimous, three-judge panel of the Oregon-based 9th U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Kentridge does does not have to offer recognition to the club.

Bottom line: I think the school is treating the kids as second-class citizens because of their beliefs. I also believe the school is perverting their discrimination policy, which was designed to prevent discrimination on campus, to be a useful tool for discrimination against the Truth Bible Club.

I'm certain the case will be appealed. I certainly hope so.

While some would say these kinds of things are isolated, I think there is more discrimination toward Christian kids in the public school system than we know.

A good reminder to remember as our kids head back to school. I spent nearly twelve years on campuses working with kids as a youth minister. I can tell you, the challenges they face today are more difficult and divisive than at any time in the past.

________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

Click here to add these blogs to your email inbox.