Public Education VS Gospel Songs

[Robert O'Brien]

Tim Mitchell--

>         I find myself up against a proverbial wall.  This wall is the one
that is to
> remain standing between Church and State.  My child is to sing gospel
songs
> in her choir.  The school is a public school.  The class (choir) is being
> taken for a grade, not an extracurricular activity.

You find yourself in the position Jehovah's Witness parents have been in
for decades.  VK is correct in arguing the courts will not enjoin inclusion
of religious songs in the program of a public school choir.  It will enjoin
sending the school choir to sing in a church as part of a religious
service.

Moreover, good school administrators and choir directors will consider the
objections of parents and students.  JWs routinely avoid playing in school
bands and singing in school choirs in order to avoid the difficulties
accompanying refusing to perform particular pieces.


Robert O'Brien                        West Virginia Wesleyan College
obrien at .wvwc.edu