Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 8, 1995 TAG: 9509080065
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GENE KAPP
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Watkins is simply off base with his assertion that the ``religious right's rumor mill'' is cranking out fabricated stories concerning hostility aimed at students who desire to express their religious beliefs. Such a charge is absurd.
The sad fact is there are too many of these true stories. Watkins' claim that they don't exist may be wishful thinking - but it is hardly a reflection of reality.
Case in point:
In 1991, two high-school students in Metropolis, Ill., were indeed arrested outside their school for participating in a national prayer event, despite Watkins' assertion that no students were arrested.
We should know. Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of Mr. Robertson's legal organization, the American Center for Law and Justice, represented the teen-agers.
The ACLJ filed suit against the school district in federal court. When it was over, the School Board issued a public apology, and promised not to interfere with students' free-speech rights again.
Consider these documented examples of religious hostility, taken from the files of the American Center for Law and Justice:
In Washington state, a kindergarten child - who was asked to sing her favorite song - was chastised by the teacher after she sang ``Jesus Loves Me.'' The teacher told her songs like that aren't allowed in school.
At a high school in Georgia, students were suspended for ``possession of Christian material.''
In Sacramento, Calif., a sixth-grade student was disciplined for crafting a cross after she was assigned to make a presentation of her choice for extra credit. When she stood up to present the cross in class, the teacher told her she couldn't do it. She was told to sit down, and she lost her extra credit.
Real stories. Real people. Real discrimination.
Hardly ``mythology,'' as Watkins put it.
Mr. Robertson and the ACLJ are committed to defending the First Amendment free-speech rights of all people of faith - including students who find themselves targets of religious discrimination in public school.
Unfortunately, Watkins does a disservice to the many Christians who find it increasingly difficult to exercise their constitutional rights in the public square.
Gene Kapp, of Virginia Beach, is vice president for public relations for The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.
by CNB