A ban on religious fliers?

It would be discriminatory for schools to allow all other groups to propagate their cause without allowing religious institutions to propagate theirs (“Should public schools ban religious fliers?” Speak Out, December 2004/January 2005). Children should be presented with differing views and should be allowed to formulate their own beliefs. The textbooks discuss Muslim, Hindu, Jewish culture, etc. There is no argument about allowing those subjects to be taught to children of all beliefs. The only religious belief not allowed is Christianity.

Schools, or any other government-run buildings, should have equal rights for all organizations. If government-supported space is used by nonreligious groups not affiliated with a school, then that space needs to be made available to religious groups as well.

—Deanna Vivian
Bunker Hill, Ill.

It is my opinion that if the fliers are for after-school clubs and organizations, then there is nothing wrong with it. Children of all faiths should have a place to go to learn from, find comfort in, and ask questions about such topics. As long as there is no ban posed on a particular religion, or special preference given to one religion, the children should be able to have this exposure.

For those children who practice their faiths, it could provide a meaningful outlet for them to find peace, stress management and proper social skills. For those who know little about certain faiths, it could provide a wonderful opportunity for them to learn.

—Isabella Bertelli
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Why are schools passing out any fliers at all? Use the post office. They are experts with junk mail! That’s what it is, and that’s why kids are losing their homework, report cards and important school correspondence. And what exactly do most of these community and religious organizations do for the schools? Absolutely nothing.

During my last few years of teaching, this junk mail was given to students every single day. In the course of one school year an average child is sent home with enough fliers to fill a recycle bin. But should I complain? Well, maybe not, because the public was paying me $54 an hour to play postman ... and help the custodians pick up the litter, which is what most of [the junk mail] became after the bell rang!

—Ronald Pappert
Henrietta, N.Y.

Our forefathers wanted to protect us from the government establishing a state religion. Distributing fliers is not establishing or even endorsing a religion, particularly when fliers from other organizations are also distributed.

I did not care for the Rev. Barry Lynn’s inflammatory language toward the Religious Right. Lynn makes it sound as if these religious groups are pressuring students into participating in their clubs and activities. Why can’t we let parents be informed of what activities are available and let them make choices?

—Carma Carpenter
Mankato, Minn.

I was appalled to read the Rev. Barry W. Lynn’s views on public schools banning religious fliers. It is common knowledge that America was founded upon religious beliefs. It is also apparent that ever since the Supreme Court curtailed school prayer in public schools, SAT scores are down while teen pregnancies and violent crime are still on the rise.

As an educator who was “forced” to teach evolution instead of creationism, I am all for passing out religious fliers. If we truly want our children to become well rounded—by emphasizing the curriculum, personal fitness and extracurricular activities that help the community—why not emphasize spirituality?

—Dolores Saucedo
El Paso, Texas