FFRF educates Mississippi teacher (Aug. 8, 2012)

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped a high school teacher in Raymond, Miss., from proselytizing and distributing bibles in her classroom.

A U.S. history teacher brought “Truth for Youth Bibles” to class for students to take and distribute. The same teacher asked students in her classroom to raise their hands if they “believe that women who have abortions are going to hell.” While the teacher was present and during class, a student was permitted to ask all students who were “saved” to raise their hands.

In a May 23, 2012, letter, FFRF staff attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote to Superintendent Stephen Handley, “It is unconstitutional for Hinds County School District to allow employees to facilitate the distribution of religious materials during the school day.” Schmitt also warned, “Public schools have a constitutional obligation to remain neutral towards religion.”

In an Aug. 8 response, Handley assured FFRF that “the teacher was given instruction and counseling on her role as a teacher in our district and the requirement of neutrality with respect to religious issues.”