Is this legal?

Seriously, I don't know that's why I'm asking.

My DD was given a packet of several sheets to take home the first day of school. It contained class allergy/food guidelines info, info about what the class would be learning the first week, another sheet about a school event and then a flier about the "American Heritage Girls". I'd never heard of the organization before. From the general flier it sounded like a rip off of The Girl Scouts, focusing on: leadership, character development, outdoor activities & community service. I asked DD if she'd be interested in something like that & she said maybe. So, I went to the website & it's a religious organization. And, she was given the info at a public school.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not flying off the handle with my panties in a wad. I get that being non-religious I'm in the minority here in TX. And, that anyone raised here would never think twice about that flier being there. But, I've lived in other areas of the country, where the separation between church & state is more obvious and upheld. So, that leads me to wonder was including that flier in a packet of school information legal? Or is it just a "gray area"?

*I'm not really sure if this belongs in RD or PC&E. So, I'm putting it in RD. I won't be offended if it's recatted to PC&E.

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Asked by 3libras at 1:36 PM on Aug. 28, 2012 in Religious Debate

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Answers (14)

"I mean if it's public school, shouldn't there be an across the board standard?"

there are very few federal standards for public schools outside of academics & Title IX. public schools are state run, and NY is a lot more liberal than TX (not that you didnt already know im sure haha). id keep an eye on the flyers and see if they are only for religious groups or if theres many flyers for different things. im sure most ppl who arent Christian in your area dont want to "out" themselves for such a minor cause when religion is such a big deal in Texas.

also, i looked up the AHG...they basically ripped off the apparently too liberal Girl Scouts. the fact that they put heritage in their title makes me wonder if they are trying to brainwash girls into believing the "America is a Christian country" tripe.

Answer by okmanders at 3:38 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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eh, I don't think its "illegal" but it is usually totally up to the school policies. My dd gets some stuff like that from school all the time and we just trash them usually. They don't give out fliers from a CHURCH specifically but say a church is sponsoring a party or dance for kids in the community, or a free carnival, concert or something is going on then they allow reminders to be sent home at school. It is kind of a 'gray' area and I think just depends on what the school feels comfortable with. But like I said it is totally up to the parents to even pay attention to those things :P

Answer by DreainCO at 1:39 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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my kids school sends home flyers for the surrounding churchs' whenever they have events.
usually a "disclaimer" is included that says "this school does not endorse any particular church blah blah blah".

Answer by sahmamax2 at 1:43 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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I think if you brought it to someone's attention it would be stopped. At DS school there is a Bible club held after school and the organization has to pay rent to use the facilities. They are not allowed to send flyer's home or put anything in announcements at all. Each year we hear about the start up by word of mouth. It bugs me that I have to hear about it from someone else and wish they would just send home a piece of paper and those who disagree just throw it away. But that is just how I see it, living in a very religious community.

Answer by amazinggrace83 at 1:46 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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hmm, a "just saying" comment that is very true.

Answer by jossstone1969 at 1:47 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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if it was stapled with the rest, i'm sure it was simply so they would stay together, not blow out or get lost.

Answer by dullscissors at 1:49 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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Here they give out flyers for couts and arrawanas and something else. The last two are religiously based. But then it could be said scouts is also since there is a religious (though not specific) element to it.
I think t is just opportunities within the communuity to interact with other children.
I do not think it is illegal.

Answer by Dardenella at 1:52 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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It's more a grey area because it depends on the schools. My local schools send home info on just about any group for kids/afterschool activities regardless of religious affiliation, but they aren't given all at once. They are given periodically throughout the year as certain camps or programs become available. Everything from the Y to vacation Bible school and tickets to the local hockey games. Obviously since they don't give preference to one organization over another all are allowed.
If you notice a trend among your school where it seems like they are endorsing a religion then it would be time to voice the concern. for now I would simply keep an eye on it.

Answer by KristiS11384 at 1:54 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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no this has not occurred in ny or nj. My son has belonged to both public and catholic and not once ever given religious material of that nature.So could be a geographical thing, idk but gl on the new school year. I think it is definitely a gray issue like you stated...

Answer by jossstone1969 at 3:20 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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It is perfectly legal for them to hand out flyers at the school as long as the school does not give preference and disallow a different group. What is illegal is the school requiring the children to do anything religious. Our school does draw the line at the groups meeting there, but that is more because we have limited space as it is.

Answer by aeneva at 4:10 PM on Aug. 28, 2012
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