SSL Hours for Religious Activities and the First Amendment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Yep. I got this email also. MCPS is encouraging our kids to volunteer to help 14 year old kids change their name and gender in order to get SSL hours.

But your kid CANNOT get SSL hours for helping out with the toddlers at mosque. Because that would be wildly inappropriate.

Teaching about the Koran is not allowed for SSL, but encouraging youth gender change is welcomed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

I agree. I don't care if MCPS wants to allow SSL hours to promote gender change. But, they also should allow SSL hours to promote Judaism/Islam/Buddhism whatever. Strange double standard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

I agree. I don't care if MCPS wants to allow SSL hours to promote gender change. But, they also should allow SSL hours to promote Judaism/Islam/Buddhism whatever. Strange double standard.

Yes, I agree, and that was the point of my original post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

Not true. It is limited as to what they can earn SSL for.

[Anonymous]

Sherwood just flagged an SSL opportunity with She’s Organic Skin Care & MedSpa.

Volunteering for a for-profit business seems bananas.

And preventing a Senior from graduating because they didn’t fulfill a requirement that has been manipulated by businesses also seems ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sherwood just flagged an SSL opportunity with She’s Organic Skin Care & MedSpa.

Volunteering for a for-profit business seems bananas.

And preventing a Senior from graduating because they didn’t fulfill a requirement that has been manipulated by businesses also seems ridiculous.

LOL! That's hilarious. I'd love to see the description of the opportunity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

I agree. I don't care if MCPS wants to allow SSL hours to promote gender change. But, they also should allow SSL hours to promote Judaism/Islam/Buddhism whatever. Strange double standard.

Yes, I agree, and that was the point of my original post.

Did I miss the part where being transgender is a religion? It is not. America has the separation of church and state. Sorry if you feel bad that your child can’t earn SSL hours for preaching in their house of workshop that Christianity/Judaism/Islam is the one true faith, but that’s how this country was founded. Take it up with the SSL office if you can’t accept this answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

I agree. I don't care if MCPS wants to allow SSL hours to promote gender change. But, they also should allow SSL hours to promote Judaism/Islam/Buddhism whatever. Strange double standard.

Yes, I agree, and that was the point of my original post.

Did I miss the part where being transgender is a religion? It is not. America has the separation of church and state. Sorry if you feel bad that your child can’t earn SSL hours for preaching in their house of workshop that Christianity/Judaism/Islam is the one true faith, but that’s how this country was founded. Take it up with the SSL office if you can’t accept this answer.

Did you miss the part about the free exercise clause?

It’s an interesting legal question, and won’t claim the MCPS policy would necessarily get struck down if challenged, but your legal knowledge stops as 9th grade civics class if you think MCPS’s policy as written currently is Kosher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

I agree. I don't care if MCPS wants to allow SSL hours to promote gender change. But, they also should allow SSL hours to promote Judaism/Islam/Buddhism whatever. Strange double standard.

Yes, I agree, and that was the point of my original post.

Did I miss the part where being transgender is a religion? It is not. America has the separation of church and state. Sorry if you feel bad that your child can’t earn SSL hours for preaching in their house of workshop that Christianity/Judaism/Islam is the one true faith, but that’s how this country was founded. Take it up with the SSL office if you can’t accept this answer.

Did you miss the part about the free exercise clause?

It’s an interesting legal question, and won’t claim the MCPS policy would necessarily get struck down if challenged, but your legal knowledge stops as 9th grade civics class if you think MCPS’s policy as written currently is Kosher.

So use your legal genius to file a case against MCPS rather than posting on a parent listserv if you’re so convinced. And share a link when you do. What’s keeping you from doing so?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

OP knows that. It’s been pointed out like 16 times on the thread and the written policy on SSL hours earned at Faith Based organizations has also been shared multiple times. Some people don’t want to listen to facts, they just want to claim victimhood. Can’t argue with those people.

I’m OP and I didn’t write the post you are referring to or many other you attribute to me.

I actually have no issue with someone getting SSL hours for working a the name change clinic. Volunteer work is volunteer work and the individual student should be able to decide what causes/activities are of interest.

I agree. I don't care if MCPS wants to allow SSL hours to promote gender change. But, they also should allow SSL hours to promote Judaism/Islam/Buddhism whatever. Strange double standard.

Yes, I agree, and that was the point of my original post.

Did I miss the part where being transgender is a religion? It is not. America has the separation of church and state. Sorry if you feel bad that your child can’t earn SSL hours for preaching in their house of workshop that Christianity/Judaism/Islam is the one true faith, but that’s how this country was founded. Take it up with the SSL office if you can’t accept this answer.

Did you miss the part about the free exercise clause?

It’s an interesting legal question, and won’t claim the MCPS policy would necessarily get struck down if challenged, but your legal knowledge stops as 9th grade civics class if you think MCPS’s policy as written currently is Kosher.

So use your legal genius to file a case against MCPS rather than posting on a parent listserv if you’re so convinced. And share a link when you do. What’s keeping you from doing so?

Did you even read my post? I didn’t say I was convinced. I said it was an interesting question that could go either way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

Not true. It is limited as to what they can earn SSL for.

Go read the FAQ, and then come back and tell me what part of my statement “kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations” is not true. I’ll wait.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

Not true. It is limited as to what they can earn SSL for.

Go read the FAQ, and then come back and tell me what part of my statement “kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations” is not true. I’ll wait.

lol. I’ll wait. You sound so confident! But you obviously have bias pop up you read otherwise you would have noticed that any activity that benefits the community as a whole can be approved for SSL. Just do a quick search on the Montgomery County volunteer website and you will see dozens of churches and religious organizations that have been approved to offer SSL. You obviously don’t want to see what the state is trying to do with SSl and why specific activities won’t qualify. You are obtuse, annoying, and probably live your life as a perpetual victim. Not someone I would think would really understand why there is a separation of the two activities (religion, which is a personal choice, vs an actual community service to benefit all). Even Jesus would understand this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

Not true. It is limited as to what they can earn SSL for.

Go read the FAQ, and then come back and tell me what part of my statement “kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations” is not true. I’ll wait.

lol. I’ll wait. You sound so confident! But you obviously have bias pop up you read otherwise you would have noticed that any activity that benefits the community as a whole can be approved for SSL. Just do a quick search on the Montgomery County volunteer website and you will see dozens of churches and religious organizations that have been approved to offer SSL. You obviously don’t want to see what the state is trying to do with SSl and why specific activities won’t qualify. You are obtuse, annoying, and probably live your life as a perpetual victim. Not someone I would think would really understand why there is a separation of the two activities (religion, which is a personal choice, vs an actual community service to benefit all). Even Jesus would understand this.

Except that lots of people have posted many ways people can get SSL hours that are very hard to define as “benefits the community as a whole” if you don’t think that serving as a teaching assistant at a religious Sunday school would also benefit the community as a whole. You can only view things that way if you have a hostility towards religion, so religious education doesn’t add value but being a summer camp counselor or assistant at an amusement park does, and the government is supposed to treat religion neutrally, neither favoring it or disfavoring it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids’ school encouraged all students yesterday to earn SSL hours by volunteering at the Freestate Justice Name Change Clinic for LGBTQIA Maryland residents.
I guess that it’s not religious though so that’s ok???

Read the FAQ - kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations.

Not true. It is limited as to what they can earn SSL for.

Go read the FAQ, and then come back and tell me what part of my statement “kids can earn SSL hours from religious organizations” is not true. I’ll wait.

lol. I’ll wait. You sound so confident! But you obviously have bias pop up you read otherwise you would have noticed that any activity that benefits the community as a whole can be approved for SSL. Just do a quick search on the Montgomery County volunteer website and you will see dozens of churches and religious organizations that have been approved to offer SSL. You obviously don’t want to see what the state is trying to do with SSl and why specific activities won’t qualify. You are obtuse, annoying, and probably live your life as a perpetual victim. Not someone I would think would really understand why there is a separation of the two activities (religion, which is a personal choice, vs an actual community service to benefit all). Even Jesus would understand this.

Except that lots of people have posted many ways people can get SSL hours that are very hard to define as “benefits the community as a whole” if you don’t think that serving as a teaching assistant at a religious Sunday school would also benefit the community as a whole. You can only view things that way if you have a hostility towards religion, so religious education doesn’t add value but being a summer camp counselor or assistant at an amusement park does, and the government is supposed to treat religion neutrally, neither favoring it or disfavoring it.

I ignored most of your subjective analysis.


Religion school does not benefit the greater community because it’s NOT OPEN to the greater community. It’s only open to the people who are PART of that community.

It’s really not hard Karen. But you have to use your non-biased brain.