Are Kids Free to Prosteletyze Other Kids in Public School?

[Anonymous]

Or are they limited to just expressing their view point, but not trying to pursuade others to agree with them or convert to their way of thinking? What if that view point is not religion but something else?

[Anonymous]

Do you mean sexual preference/gender identity?

[Anonymous]

My public school kid is at a school with a lot of highly religious kids and gets witnessed at a lot. I kind of shrug it off. The kids doing it think they are doing my child a favor, and our own family's beliefs are strong enough that I'm not worried.

Ironically, another kid is at a private religious school and gets much less of that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you mean sexual preference/gender identity?

Any view point, whether it be religion or something else.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure you'll find a bunch of experts on here, but as I understand it, you've got free speech issue here and separation of government and religion.

That separation of govt/religion was originally to protect religion from government, although it's been interpreted the other way since that time. The teachers and the administrators, and the schoolbooks represent the government here; the kids aren't part of the government; they are private individuals.

Also with respect to free speech, that is a situation that only applies with respect to the government not restricting free speech. If it were a private school, maybe they could limit the speech, but in a public school, the 1st Amendment would apply.

So I think on both counts kids can proselytize.

[Anonymous]

What if government property is used for said prostelyzation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What if government property is used for said prostelyzation?

Kids can say pretty much whatever they want (nothing threatening, of course, but they can espouse whatever views they want in whatever way they want). Adults who can be perceived as part of the government are much more limited. The grey line is what other adults can do/say, for example leaders of after school activities.

[Anonymous]

So a wall, paid for by taxpayers, can be used to try to convert people to their view point as long as that view point is expressed by a student?

[Anonymous]

I'm a teacher and currently work with 3rd graders. Some of the things that kids say - I am sure their parents would cringe. If students are repeatedly trying to "convert" a student I see it as a form of bullying and have the kids refocus their conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or are they limited to just expressing their view point, but not trying to pursuade others to agree with them or convert to their way of thinking? What if that view point is not religion but something else?

They can and do try to persuade (or argue into submission) others to agree with them. This will happen with religion, politics, favorite musical artist, favorite dessert, most admired athlete, and best vacation destination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So a wall, paid for by taxpayers, can be used to try to convert people to their view point as long as that view point is expressed by a student?

I don't understand how someone would use a wall to convert people. Do you mean can people post things on bulletin boards?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a wall, paid for by taxpayers, can be used to try to convert people to their view point as long as that view point is expressed by a student?

I don't understand how someone would use a wall to convert people. Do you mean can people post things on bulletin boards?

I think OP is trying to make an issue out of some kid's schoolwork posted on a wall at school.

[Anonymous]

OP, just state the problem you have and stop dancing around it. That's the only way you'll get advice that makes sense.

[Anonymous]

You heard of freedom of speech? This is the USA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a wall, paid for by taxpayers, can be used to try to convert people to their view point as long as that view point is expressed by a student?

I don't understand how someone would use a wall to convert people. Do you mean can people post things on bulletin boards?

I think OP is trying to make an issue out of some kid's schoolwork posted on a wall at school.

Or a student group posting an ad for Young Life, the Muslim Students Association, etc.

That drives some people nuts because they incorrectly think the First Amendment means there can be no references to religion in public schools.