In Mason, Ohio, as well as in many other places around the country, religious observance suddenly appears to be acceptable in public schools, after decades of court rulings against it — provided, that is, that the religious people in question are Muslim. “Parents Claim Discrimination Against Christian Students,” from WCPO.com, with thanks to Janet Levy:
Some Mason residents are claiming their school district is discriminating against Christian students, and giving special treatment to Muslim students.
The accusations came after office space was made available to two students who were observing Ramadan.
District leaders said they set aside the space so Muslim students who were fasting for Ramadan didn’t have to be in the cafeteria during lunchtime.
They said the students could have prayed in that room if they wanted to.
Some say that decision is favoring one religion over another.
Sharon Poe and Mason School Board Member Jennifer Miller said public schools like Mason High School are forcing Christianity out of the hallways.
Examples they give include the fact that Easter break is now called Spring break.
And nativity scenes are also not allowed on school grounds.
They claim that Christian students are being discriminated against.
They argue that if Christian students can’t share their religion at school, no one should be able to.
Sharon Poe is a Mason resident.
“I want to make sure that it is being fair for every religious group in the school. We can’t stipulate that’s what’s good for one is not good for another. This is a public education facility.”