A Colorado school district is standing behind its teachers and principals who have been criticized for promoting student involvement in Christian evangelical missions.
The American Humanist Association filed a lawsuit last week saying that school officials at schools in the Douglas County School District had endorsed and sponsored Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child and Adventures in Missions
"Douglas County School District supports student-driven community and fundraising efforts to aid those in need. We applaud our students for being leaders and giving back to others, and will vigorously defend their right to continue to do so," a statement from the school district said. "We are also proud of our employees who, on their own time and with donated resources, selflessly serve those who are less fortunate."
The AHA, however, said the schools seem to be favoring Christian ministries.
"The public school district seems to be on a mission to promote Christianity, using taxpayer dollars for evangelical and missionary purposes," legal director of AHA's Appignani Humanist Legal Center, David Noise, said in a press release. "As state entities, public schools must educate students in a neutral environment, not push one particular religious belief."
Publication date: October 29, 2014
