Parent: daughter asked to re-do assignment after writing about Jesus

wect ^ | 3/18/14 | Kasey Cunningham

[barmag25]

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - A parent is speaking out after she said her daughter's teacher rejected a rough draft of her paper. The subject, her hero, Jesus.

Heather Watts said her daughter attends second grade at Cerro Gordo Elementary School in Columbus County. Watts said the teacher asked her 8-year-old daughter Ryleigh, "can't you write about something different?"

"I think she should have freedom to write about what she wants to write about," the disgruntled mother said. "If she wants to write about Jesus, she should write about Jesus."

Watts said this question is threatening her daughter's First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

A statement from the school denies the incident:

"After speaking with both the teacher and the principal, we have learned that students were not restricted from writing on any topic of their choosing. Columbus County Schools encourages student expression in all aspects of our educational program. We also have an open-door policy, and encourage our parents and guardians to contact or visit their child's school to address any concerns."

[Mastador1]

Hyperbole my friend, hyperbole! Of course we all know the reason there is a problem is because the little girls hero is Jesus. Why did you not select the rest of my comment in your reply?

[Tainan]

If one takes the time to read ALL of the posted responses, it seems that this "story" is not what many are being led to believe.
It looks like, is usually the case, there is much more to this than a simple denial of Jesus.
More like someone not completing their work.

Just a suggestion.

[gunsequalfreedom]

Why did you not select the rest of my comment in your reply?

I just picked out the part of your comment that jumped out at me.

[gunsequalfreedom]

The problem probably comes from the teachers inability to relate to Christ, so she knows she would be unable to grade the paper. Now had the little girl chosen to write about Satan or say a porn star, the teacher would probably have a wealth of experience to draw upon.

Actually, you are correct. The context of your comment was hurt by taking out the second sentence. Your point is taken.

[Mastador1]

No bigee, it’s just that I was pretty sure we were on the same page. It’s just gotten to be so extreme in schools, I remember Christmas and Easter break, Christmas Carols, hell my high school was kind of famous for the A Capella Choirs thirty foot tall singing Christmas tree and I’m not that damn old!