Schools In Virginia Shut Down Over Arabic Calligraphy Lesson

[SilentLoner]

 

 

With the US already on edge after the California attacks, officials have cancelled lessons on Arabic calligraphy - and shut schools early for winter break - after complaints from parents that their children could be indoctrinated with Islamic beliefs.

 

Administrators in Augusta county in the state of Virginia closed for winter break early on Friday after threats of violence.

 

Over 10,000 students were affected by the closures, which officials said they were forced into after receiving thousands of hostile emails and social media posts.

 

The calligraphy assignment that caused the outrage asked students of Riverheads High School to draw out the Islamic declaration of faith - or Shahada - as part of a comparative religion class.

 

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/irrationality-blamed-calligraphy-lesson-uproar-151219130241841.html

 

I've seen enough comments on news site to just capitulate and declare that we are a nation of paranoid idiots.

 

[duderonomy]

 

 

 

With the US already on edge after the California attacks, officials have cancelled lessons on Arabic calligraphy - and shut schools early for winter break - after complaints from parents that their children could be indoctrinated with Islamic beliefs.

 

Administrators in Augusta county in the state of Virginia closed for winter break early on Friday after threats of violence.

 

Over 10,000 students were affected by the closures, which officials said they were forced into after receiving thousands of hostile emails and social media posts.

 

The calligraphy assignment that caused the outrage asked students of Riverheads High School to draw out the Islamic declaration of faith - or Shahada - as part of a comparative religion class.

 

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/irrationality-blamed-calligraphy-lesson-uproar-151219130241841.html

 

I've seen enough comments on news site to just capitulate and declare that we are a nation of paranoid idiots.

 

 

Yeah, because if it's Islamic, it must be promoted in our schools, right?  Maybe when they teach cursive, the schools should have the kids write "Jesus is Lord".   Would you be ok with that?  If not, STFU.

[Daffodil]

Are they teaching Biblical Hebrew and having the students write out the 10 commandments? If not, then it's not fair and equal treatment, and I would also be concerned.

[StillLooking]

They were also taught different religions, for example buddhism:

 

The school district meanwhile points out that this isn’t something specific only to Islam. They examine religions from all of the regions that they cover in World Geography and look at some of the items involved. For example, when China is up for discussion, the curriculum calls for students to be shown Buddhist prayer beads. They’ll also talk about yin and yang when the discussion comes to Taoism.

http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/politics/former-students-defend-islam-lesson-at-augusta-county-school/article_c8235a10-a469-11e5-bba8-175e9392d4ec.html

 

I am trying to find out whether she taught christianity too. Regardless, it is a non issue for me.

 

Edit: Actually based on the above article, the resource also includes teaching about Adam & Eve and Moses. This confirms my comment before, this is a non-issue. The kids were learning different religions pertinent to the regions.

 

The information used in LaPorte’s class came from a World Religions resource, last reprinted in 2011 by California-based Teacher Created Resources. In addition to the Shahada, it also includes the full reading of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden from the Bible, work about Abraham and Moses, as well as the route taken during the Exodus. The same goes for all the major world religions in the 123-page document.

[Daffodil]

They were also taught different religions, for example buddhism:

 

 

The school district meanwhile points out that this isn’t something specific only to Islam. They examine religions from all of the regions that they cover in World Geography and look at some of the items involved. For example, when China is up for discussion, the curriculum calls for students to be shown Buddhist prayer beads. They’ll also talk about yin and yang when the discussion comes to Taoism.

 

http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/politics/former-students-defend-islam-lesson-at-augusta-county-school/article_c8235a10-a469-11e5-bba8-175e9392d4ec.html

 

I am trying to find out whether she taught christianity too. Regardless, it is a non issue for me.

 

Edit: Actually based on the above article, the resource also includes teaching about Adam & Eve and Moses. This confirms my comment before, this is a non-issue. The kids were learning different religions pertinent to the regions.

 

The information used in LaPorte’s class came from a World Religions resource, last reprinted in 2011 by California-based Teacher Created Resources. In addition to the Shahada, it also includes the full reading of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden from the Bible, work about Abraham and Moses, as well as the route taken during the Exodus. The same goes for all the major world religions in the 123-page document.

 

Ok, that's better. In that case they are overreacting!

[florduh]

The dissemination of an article about the school assignment seems to be the cause of concern for parents who then complained and issued threats.

 

http://www.snopes.com/2015/12/17/augusta-county-schools-close-controversial-arabic-assignment/

[SilentLoner]

 

 

 

 

With the US already on edge after the California attacks, officials have cancelled lessons on Arabic calligraphy - and shut schools early for winter break - after complaints from parents that their children could be indoctrinated with Islamic beliefs.

 

Administrators in Augusta county in the state of Virginia closed for winter break early on Friday after threats of violence.

 

Over 10,000 students were affected by the closures, which officials said they were forced into after receiving thousands of hostile emails and social media posts.

 

The calligraphy assignment that caused the outrage asked students of Riverheads High School to draw out the Islamic declaration of faith - or Shahada - as part of a comparative religion class.

 

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/irrationality-blamed-calligraphy-lesson-uproar-151219130241841.html

 

I've seen enough comments on news site to just capitulate and declare that we are a nation of paranoid idiots.

 

 

Yeah, because if it's Islamic, it must be promoted in our schools, right?  Maybe when they teach cursive, the schools should have the kids write "Jesus is Lord".   Would you be ok with that?  If not, STFU.

 

 

This was a COMPARATIVE RELIGION class. They did study christianity and judaism and buddhism. Thanks for confirming my sentiment in my original post. Learn to read or STFU.

[StillLooking]

 

Yeah, because if it's Islamic, it must be promoted in our schools, right?  Maybe when they teach cursive, the schools should have the kids write "Jesus is Lord".   Would you be ok with that?  If not, STFU.

 

 

 

Are they teaching Biblical Hebrew and having the students write out the 10 commandments? If not, then it's not fair and equal treatment, and I would also be concerned.

 

Now, I haven't heard any outrage at this Mr. McGoldrick from Newington High School in Newington, CT because he made his student to read and study the Nicene Creed... Why? Oh yes, that is right, in the US it is okay to proclaim believe in one God, the father the almighty.

 

 

We finished reading the comic version of the famous novel, Ben-Hur, which involves connections to our study of Judaism as well as many connections with early Christianity.PLEASE READ Ch11 pg. 277-279 and then 280-282  on the Nicene Creed and its implications for Christianity (in the RELG textbook). STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE FINISHED THIS BY NOW, but if you have not, be sure you do.

https://sites.google.com/site/mcg325/comparative-religion-s-s-elective

 

Nicene creed in all its glory, the recent catholic version:

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

[duderonomy]

 

 

Yeah, because if it's Islamic, it must be promoted in our schools, right?  Maybe when they teach cursive, the schools should have the kids write "Jesus is Lord".   Would you be ok with that?  If not, STFU.

 

 

 

Are they teaching Biblical Hebrew and having the students write out the 10 commandments? If not, then it's not fair and equal treatment, and I would also be concerned.

 

Now, I haven't heard any outrage at this Mr. McGoldrick from Newington High School in Newington, CT because he made his student to read and study the Nicene Creed... Why? Oh yes, that is right, in the US it is okay to proclaim believe in one God, the father the almighty.

 

 

We finished reading the comic version of the famous novel, Ben-Hur, which involves connections to our study of Judaism as well as many connections with early Christianity.PLEASE READ Ch11 pg. 277-279 and then 280-282  on the Nicene Creed and its implications for Christianity (in the RELG textbook). STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE FINISHED THIS BY NOW, but if you have not, be sure you do.

https://sites.google.com/site/mcg325/comparative-religion-s-s-elective

 

Nicene creed in all its glory, the recent catholic version:

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

 

Was that a public school? If so, that's not ok either.

[StillLooking]

Yes it is a public school. I have no issue with both scenarios, the kids were learning comparative world religions. They were not indoctrinated, they were taught essential information to form sound opinion.

[duderonomy]

 

 

 

 

 

With the US already on edge after the California attacks, officials have cancelled lessons on Arabic calligraphy - and shut schools early for winter break - after complaints from parents that their children could be indoctrinated with Islamic beliefs.

 

Administrators in Augusta county in the state of Virginia closed for winter break early on Friday after threats of violence.

 

Over 10,000 students were affected by the closures, which officials said they were forced into after receiving thousands of hostile emails and social media posts.

 

The calligraphy assignment that caused the outrage asked students of Riverheads High School to draw out the Islamic declaration of faith - or Shahada - as part of a comparative religion class.

 

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/irrationality-blamed-calligraphy-lesson-uproar-151219130241841.html

 

I've seen enough comments on news site to just capitulate and declare that we are a nation of paranoid idiots.

 

 

Yeah, because if it's Islamic, it must be promoted in our schools, right?  Maybe when they teach cursive, the schools should have the kids write "Jesus is Lord".   Would you be ok with that?  If not, STFU.

 

 

This was a COMPARATIVE RELIGION class. They did study christianity and judaism and buddhism. Thanks for confirming my sentiment in my original post. Learn to read or STFU.

 

 

Oh I read it. Al Jazeera. No bias there. We can all see that it's the fault of Donald Trump and the Republican debates.   

 

It seems they could teach comparative religions by just telling the students what the shahada is.  The calligraphy lesson would be better suited to an art or language class, but that's just me.

 

How did they study Christianity? Did they have the students bow their heads and repeat the 'sinner's' prayer out loud? Maybe confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord?  I'm betting not.

[StillLooking]

I believe in hands on approach in learning. I support them reciting the shahada, the lord's prayer, the nicene's creed, etc. I also support teaching the kids how to meditate.

[duderonomy]

I believe in hands on approach in learning. I support them reciting the shahada, the lord's prayer, the nicene's creed, etc. I also support teaching the kids how to meditate.

 

Fair enough. I'm all for hands on labs and stuff. I do think that world religions should be taught in public schools because it's such a huge part of everyday life (no sarcasm).  I think it's possible to go too far though, and I think this went too far.

[buffettphan]

I'm glad to see that the Virginia Public Schools are still teaching a unit on comparative religion in their World Geography class.  

 

A long long time ago (1968-72), I attended a Fairfax County, Virginia high school.  This Comparative Religion unit was part of the 9th grade World Geography class and for most of us, the most interesting unit of the course.  There was no proselytizing of any sort.  It was merely exposure and education.  We all had to write a research paper and give an oral report on the religion assigned to us (or perhaps we chose the religion?). Some of the details are sketchy now, but I do remember that various traditional prayers, holy books,  readings,  customs, food, and clothing were presented as part of the class. Two things made a big impression on me at that time.  (1) The common shared beliefs and attitudes -- some of which were just about identical  and (2)  that with the 30+ students in the class, no religion was duplicated.  30+ True Religions^TM I guess.        No students complained, no parents complained.  

 

For me, that Comparative Religion unit was THE final nail in the coffin for christianity as well as all other religions.   Knowledge is powerful.  

[mwc]

     Don't forget that when you're superstitious you can simply convert someone by having them say/write the magic words in whatever language.  That's why you have all those mumbo-jumbo spells in Latin that really, really work.  Damn you Harry Potter!  And I'm pretty sure that's what the devil speaks too.  And now he's gonna gitcha with that there Arabic if you don't watch yourself.

 

          mwc

[mymistake]

     Don't forget that when you're superstitious you can simply convert someone by having them say/write the magic words in whatever language.  That's why you have all those mumbo-jumbo spells in Latin that really, really work.  Damn you Harry Potter!  And I'm pretty sure that's what the devil speaks too.  And now he's gonna gitcha with that there Arabic if you don't watch yourself.

 

          mwc

 

 

Well if it had been any of my aunts or uncles I know that would have been the complaint.  By having students write the words in Arabic the teacher (led by Satan) is trying to trick the students into renouncing God, committing the unpardonable sin and yada . . . yada . . . yada.  It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

[StillLooking]

Hmm....they have Muslim writing in the USA, bet they don't have the equivalent western counter part in schools in the middle east that are hard core Islamic.

I am scratching my head. Why does anybody want to eliminate a good curriculum from the US classrooms to be on par with countries with worse academic standards?

[duderonomy]

I think that comparative religions should be taught in schools, but writing out the Muslim Shahada, having your female students don Islamic style  garb for a day, or singing a Ramadan song with the words "Allahu Akbar" (months after Ramadan is over) is going too far. I've seen all three of those things in the news very recently.  I wonder about people that support that, but shit bricks if someone says "under God" in the PoA.

 

The question is, do we have to have our children, in public schools, practice a religion in order to learn about it?  My answer is no.

[Daffodil]

I think that comparative religions should be taught in schools, but writing out the Muslim Shahada, having your female students don Islamic style  garb for a day, or singing a Ramadan song with the words "Allahu Akbar" (months after Ramadan is over) is going too far. I've seen all three of those things in the news very recently.  I wonder about people that support that, but shit bricks if someone says "under God" in the PoA.

 

The question is, do we have to have our children, in public schools, practice a religion in order to learn about it?  My answer is no.

I agree. It used to bug me as a Christian that my kids' school would teach them hanakuh songs to sing in December but were not allowed to sing Christmas carols. PC gets completely ridiculous after awhile.

[SilentLoner]

I wonder about people that support that, but shit bricks if someone says "under God" in the PoA.

 

 

You do realize the difference between a class focused on comparing religions vs a general pledge being imposed on a whole school right? I also don't believe I've ever witnessed anyone "shit bricks" over it (or express opposition as extreme as parents are doing here), rather they express a calm objection to it. 

 

having your female students don Islamic style  garb 

 

 

You do realize no students were obligated to do that right? And it wasn't part of any class. And it wasn't any teacher or school that sponsored it, it was the student Muslim association that invited any student to wear a headscarf to school for one day, followed with discussion groups where student participants could reflect on their experience. Of course right wing websites and the same paranoid class of people shat bricks over it:

http://democraticvoices.com/2015/04/what-everyone-got-wrong-about-the-mason-high-schools-covered-girl-challenge-and-why-thats-the-real-problem/

 

 

 

 or singing a Ramadan song with the words "Allahu Akbar"

Sigh. Once again, students were also singing Christian and Jewish songs, as it was a holiday performance. Also students were not required to participate.

 

Maybe you should stop getting your information from Breitbart. 

[StillLooking]

I am all for singing christian songs, chanting christian prayers, muslim prayers, buddhist chants, etc as long as they do them for unserstanding the religions. I have no problem with the kids putting on hijab one day and putting on a nun garb the next day.

[duderonomy]

 

I wonder about people that support that, but shit bricks if someone says "under God" in the PoA.

 

 

You do realize the difference between a class focused on comparing religions vs a general pledge being imposed on a whole school right? I also don't believe I've ever witnessed anyone "shit bricks" over it (or express opposition as extreme as parents are doing here), rather they express a calm objection to it. 

 

having your female students don Islamic style  garb 

 

 

You do realize no students were obligated to do that right? And it wasn't part of any class. And it wasn't any teacher or school that sponsored it, it was the student Muslim association that invited any student to wear a headscarf to school for one day, followed with discussion groups where student participants could reflect on their experience. Of course right wing websites and the same paranoid class of people shat bricks over it:

http://democraticvoices.com/2015/04/what-everyone-got-wrong-about-the-mason-high-schools-covered-girl-challenge-and-why-thats-the-real-problem/

 

 

 

 or singing a Ramadan song with the words "Allahu Akbar"

Sigh. Once again, students were also singing Christian and Jewish songs, as it was a holiday performance. Also students were not required to participate.

 

Maybe you should stop getting your information from Breitbart. 

 

 

Well, as much as it pains me to admit, I guess I did have some of this wrong, but it wasn't Breitbart where I got the info from about the hijab thing. 

Nice jab, by the way, it's nice that you remember.  

I actually looked through my computer history trying to find out where I saw it. I still don't know, but it might have been CNN or a 'local' paper, the Daily Herald from somewhere? IDK.

There isn't any such thing anymore as an unbiased news source without an agenda anyway, IMHO. That's sad.

 

What I'm not wrong about, however, is my opinion. I think the schools go to far trying to be incluuuuusive, and celebrate diverrrrsity, and multicullllllturism, and wonder why people get upset that religion is being practiced and promoted in public schools and Johnny still can't read.

For example, if they want to teach 'the beauty' of Muslim calligraphy, it should be in an art class or a comparative written language class of some sort. They don't need the students to write the Islamic statement of faith in order to do that. The alphabet would do just fine. I really smell agenda with that one. If it's not outright indoctrination, then it's at least  PC gone mad.

In my day, they taught us about street drugs and how they could be bad. They didn't have us roll big fat blunts, or bring out the needle and the spoon so we could walk around stoned at school all day in order to appreciate how the poor stoners felt.

I know that's not the best analogy, but I'll assume you're smart enough to get my drift.