Christian Parents Sue After Students 'Become Muslims'

CNSNews.com ^ | June 27, 2002 | Susan Jones

[Stand Watch Listen]

(CNSNews.com) - A public school in Byron, Calif. is being sued after forcing Christian students to pretend they were Muslims for three weeks.

As part of an Islam simulation" project, students prayed in the name of Allah, chose a Muslim name, and played a "jihad" dice game, according to the group that filed the lawsuit. The Michigan-based Thomas More Law Center is representing parents and children in the lawsuit against the Byron Unified School District.

"What's at issue is the true meaning of the Establishment Clause," said Richard Thompson, the law center's chief counsel.

While it's perfectly legal for schools to teach courses in comparative religion, in this case, Thompson said the school district "crossed the line...by using taxpayer dollars to teach students how to worship as a Muslim."

The 7th grade students "became Muslims" as part of their world history class, much to the surprise of parents, who said they were caught off guard.

According to the lawsuit, students were encouraged to dress as Muslims and to use such phrases in their speech as 'Allah Akbar,' which is Arabic for 'God is great.' Students were required to memorize Muslim prayers, fulfill the Five Pillars of Faith and fast during lunch period to simulate fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

"Public schools would never tolerate teaching Christianity in this way," said Thompson.

"Just imagine the ACLU's outcry if students were told that they had to pray the Lords Prayer, memorize the Ten Commandments, use such phrases as 'Jesus is the Messiah,' and fast during Lent."

[3AngelaD]

Okay, so they made them wear towels on their heads. But did they teach them the most efficient way to go about a homicide bombing, what to study in flight school and how to bite the hand that feeds them?

[Paul Atreides]

A child cannot voluntarily bring a Bible to school, pray, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance but, he can be forced to be a Muslim. Twisted.

[TADSLOS]

As part of an Islam simulation" project, students prayed in the name of Allah, chose a Muslim name, and played a "jihad" dice game

Hey, why not? They have spare time on their hands now since they won't be allowed to cite the Pledge of Allegiance.

[Nyralthotep]

Or about the 72 virgins they can expect?

[ArrogantBustard]

I suppose they then spent three weeks each learning to be Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, and Presbyterian? No? Hmmmmm.... Something's wrong, here...

[Black Agnes]

Are there 72 virgins left in California?

[Sci Fi Guy]

A child cannot voluntarily bring a Bible to school, pray, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance but, he can be forced to be a Muslim. Twisted.

Just so we are clear, you were describing the liberal view, not the law. Because the law currently is on our side as far as bringing Bibles to school, praying, and many other issues. Our job is to fight/educate school official who try to deny us our rights.

[EggsAckley]

When my brother's kid was this age they were being taught American Sign Language (a cursory course in it.) Being at that smart-ass age, this kid wouldn't talk; if she was being asked about something or to do something, she would respond by using her (basically pretend) "sign" language. It was infuriating. I can picture these kids coming home and quoting the Qu'ran just to tick off their parents. I'd sue too.

[Alouette]

Students were required to memorize Muslim prayers, fulfill the Five Pillars of Faith and fast during lunch period

Did this assignment also require reciting the Shihada? ("There is no *** but Allah, &c.") Saying this in public automatically makes one a convert to Islam. Then, according to jihadi law, these people are subject to the death penalty as "apostates" if they continue to practice their original religion.

[swarthyguy]

According to Islam, all these kids are hereby considered Muslims, whether they or their parents acknowledge it or not. Stupid Dummy School Admins with no knowledge of islam or its practices willing assisting in the conversion of their kids. No mention of whose idea it was in the first place. With no evidence, my suspicion falls on all the 'mainstream' islamic groups of America who probably sold this to the school as an outreach, tolerance building and sharing islam with others measure.


They're Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere!!

[old school]

California schools are atrocious and have been for many years! The perverts have ascended to positions of power and leadership throughout the society but most prominently in the schools. California is going to Hell and fast. I've got to wonder if it will ever recover! I went from grade-school through college here, in another era, but the level of education in California today is demoralising.

[mhking]

Byron Union School District
14301 Byron Hwy.
Byron CA 94514
Phone: (925) 634-6644
Fax: (925) 634-9421
Grades: K-8
Enrollment: 1,149
Peggy Green, Superintendent

[monkeyshine]

students prayed in the name of Allah

AAAAARRRRGGGHHHHH What on earth made this school think this was legal. If the pledge is illegal, and if you can't say God in a commencement speech, then this is illegal. Actually, this was ALREADY illegal. It is coersion and religious indoctrination. I hope the students and parents take all of the school district's money for this civil rights violation.

[VOA]

bump

[Stand Watch Listen]

I believe this 'indoctrination' of the students to Islam was some time ago. In the aftermath of September 11. This article is the result of the school's previous action. Search the FR archives.

[katya8]

That kind of hateful stuff started many years ago, when male students were made to imagine they were female, and were then subjected to real-life abuse by female students.

[Black Agnes]

bttt

[Alouette]

male students were made to imagine they were female, and were then subjected to real-life abuse by female students.

Now they can be subjected to real-life abuse as female Muslims.

[Shryke]

Although this is sickening, it doesn't surprise me at all. I am constantly hearing about how all of the Middle Eastern studies departments around our nation's colleges are being bought out by Saudi Arabian donors and converted to basically Islamic Studies departments.

I wanted to ask any of the Freepers if they can point out any documentation of this phenomenon, or contradict it?