California School Bans Gifts with 'God' in Them

The Swift Report ^ | December 22 | Cole Walters

[chimatt1969]

One California school feels so strongly that religion doesn't belong in the classroom that it has banned all gifts that contain the word 'God,' including Godiva brand chocolates; books, videos, or DVDs of the Godfather; along with images of Godzilla.

[chimatt1969]

Can anyone in the California educational system respond to this? I'm working on an article on constitutional challenges and religion/state issues and this seems ripe for the picking. Thanks in advance.

[Maceman]

This has to be a joke. If it isn't I promise to read "It Takes a Village" cover to cover before New Years Day 2005.

[Political Junkie Too]

I thought the rule was that student-initiated activities were okay, that it was just the organized activities by the school that had to be kept separate.

I can't see how a school can ban what one student chooses to give to another.

-PJ

[wmichgrad]

The constitution clearly states that church and state are to remain separate ....

Uh... No it doesn't.

[tallhappy]

It was just a modest proposal, I'm sure.

[Godzilla]

along with images of Godzilla.

Now they've really gone over the line in more ways than one.

[dighton]

Swift recognition.

[Bigh4u2]

""As far as we're concerned, we're just enforcing the law of the land here. The CONSTITUTION clearly states that church and state are to remain separate"

Uhh! No it doesn't!

That's the problem with these people.

They are always citing this as 'fact' when they probably have never read the Constitution, because, if they did, they would find out that 'separation of church and state' is NOT in it!

[atomic_dog]

I'm pretty sure this a joke. I cannot Google up any reference to Marindell, CA or a Bryant Elementary School, but I did turn up an old link to Swift Report saying Marindell had banned Christmas. I think it is a parody of Marin.

[muawiyah]

Time to break out the psychoactives and pass them around the school board FUR SHUR.

These people would seem to be making a very good case for "fitness for duty" exams for all the folks running schools, 'cause there's no doubt they'd flunk.

[chiefqc]

With all these bans in schools, courthouses, etc. I have not seen anyone from the ACLU to Schools refuse to accept money.

I don't understand why, because it plainly states "In God We Trust".

Must be some kind of double standard, money ok school no.

[Beth]

Next thing they'll do is ban the alphabet. It's got "G", "O", and "D" in it.

[newgeezer]

Joke or not,...

[Peace Is Coming]

What about the word "dog" if someone has dyslexia?
They might think it says God.

[NRA1995]

"One California school feels so strongly that religion doesn't belong in the classroom that it has banned all gifts that contain the word 'God,' including books, videos, or DVDs of the Godfather."

Tell Luca Brasi to come in here.....

[KidGlock]

"The CONSTITUTION clearly states that church and state are to remain separate"

Uhh! No it doesn't!

Sure it does.

Right next to the "Life, Liberty and Right to an Abortion" clause.

[DugwayDuke]

Has to be a joke. After all, this policy would also prohibit the exchange of a dictionary. But, then again, banning dictionaries from the classroom would not be a step to far for some.

[chimatt1969]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-12-21-holidaysuit_x.htm

Christmas being downgraded? I think this is a true story.

[rockrr]

Now you know we were all thinkin about ya ! ;'}

[Captain Rhino]

(claxon sounding) Suspect bogus news report!

Read the source article. Supposed memo (complete with coffe mug stain) talks like the elementary school has been threatened with legal action yet the base article says the school is recruiting the ACLU to defend their actions.

Mucho cognitive dissonance going on here - too ridiculous a pretext even for such a fine organization as the ACLU.

This smells like a dead Godzilla (and you can imagine how bad would be!)