Written by Don Byrd
Buncombe County, North Carolinaschools may have a new process in place next year to allow for the distribution of religious materials to students during the school day. The initiative is apparently in response to a controversy over the distribution of Gideon Bibles, followed by their refusal of Wiccan materials when a local parent requested the same access. The new process may cause more problems than it solves.
A proposal under review would allow community groups, including religious organizations, to drop off materials for “passive distribution” one day out of the year at middle and high schools.But school officials would have to review the material in advance to make sure it was appropriate for students.
“Inevitably, it will put school officials in a position of evaluating and judging the truth or appropriateness of the content of religious materials,” said Guy Sayles, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Asheville.“That role is not one public officials should play. It will result in endless rounds of scrutiny, debate, protest and likely legal action,” Sayles said. “I do not see how such a policy is practically workable, and I strongly object to it.”
On what basis will they make a determination that material is appropriate?
