Tenn. atheist’s editorial pulled from high school newspaper
LENOIR CITY, Tenn. — The atheist student editor of the Lenoir City High School newspaper says her editorial was pulled after school officials claimed it would be disruptive.
The editorial titled “No Rights: The Life of an Atheist” accuses administrators, teachers and coaches of promoting their Christian beliefs at school and during school-sponsored events.
Krystal Myers told the Knoxville News Sentinel that as captain of the swim team she felt compelled to participate in Christian prayers before swim meets because it was encouraged by coaches and teachers.
The 18-year-old honor student also complained that school board meetings begin with prayers, prayers are offered at graduation and teachers often use Bible verses for a “quote of the day” they write on classroom boards. She also said one teacher wore a T-shirt with a crucifix.
Schools Director Wayne Miller says the administration tries to promote tolerance for religious and other minorities.
“I have addressed the teachers about this subject,” he said.
He defended prayers at athletic events as student-led and said that while school board meetings begin with a prayer, there were usually no students present.
He says school authorities have the right to control the content of the student paper.
Information that might not be appropriate for general distribution to students, including that of a religious or sexual nature, can be discussed through the P3 (or “Positive Peer Pressure”) program or via hotlines that students can use to reach out during any type of personal crisis.
Charles Haynes, senior scholar at the First Amendment Center in Washington, D.C., said at least some of what the school system is doing may not stand constitutional scrutiny.
In 1999, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that school boards are not allowed to conduct prayer services during board meetings.
And Myers cited the 1992 ruling Lee v. Weisman, in which the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 that the inclusion of clergy who offer prayers at official public school ceremonies violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
“The school’s rule creates subtle and indirect coercion (students must stand respectfully and silently), forcing students to act in ways which establish a state religion,” the ruling said.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee has addressed the issue of religion in schools with a know-your-rights guide for administrators and teachers.
ACLU-TN Director Hedy Weinberg said educators often struggle to understand how federal court rulings apply to their specific circumstances.
“This is especially true when the majority of students and community members belong to the same faith tradition,” she said.
According to the guidelines, school administrators cannot make decisions regarding free speech based on the best interests of the majority.
“While school systems often conclude that the school’s treatment of religion should favor the majority’s interest, the Bill of Rights protects minority rights,” Weinberg said.
Tags: atheist, graduation prayer, high school newspaper, religion in public schools, school prayer, Tennessee
Let Us Know What You Think
The First Amendment Center is an educational organization and cannot provide legal advice.
Ken Paulson is president and chief executive officer/First Amendment Center. Previously, Paulson served as editor and senior vice president/news of USA Today and USATODAY.com.
Gene Policinski, senior vice president and executive director of the First Amendment Center, is a veteran journalist whose career has included work in newspapers, radio, television and online.
John Seigenthaler founded the First Amendment Center in 1991 with the mission of creating national discussion, dialogue and debate about First Amendment rights and values.
Dr. Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Education Project at the Newseum. He writes and speaks extensively on religious liberty and religion in American public life.
David L. Hudson Jr. is a scholar at the First Amendment Center. Hudson writes for firstamendmentcenter.org and for other publications devoted to First Amendment issues.
Tiffany Villager is director/First Amendment studies at the First Amendment Center, which she joined in 1993. She also served as the center’s research manager and research coordinator, and developed the center’s library.
