For Immediate Release

Contact:

Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org

David Niose, 202-238-9088 ext. 119, dniose@americanhumanist.org

(Brownsville, TX, Sept. 11, 2015)—The American Humanist Association’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center sent a letter on behalf of a concerned parent to officials at the Brownsville Independent School District in Brownsville, Texas, drawing attention to violations of the separation of church and state occurring in the district.

The letter describes a third grade teacher at Benavides Elementary School proselytizing Christianity to her students through classroom activities. The teacher prominently displays a large Christian cross in her public school classroom. She has also told her students that only one person is perfect and that person is “Our Lord.” The letter also states that reports were made of religious activity taking place at other schools in the district.

“The Establishment Clause demands religious neutrality from all government employees, including teachers, while on the job,” said David Niose, legal director of the American Humanist Association. “Non-Christian students and their families should not have to put up with Christian proselytizing in what should be a secular public school.”

“All students have the right to learn free from religious indoctrination while in school,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “Teachers should be educating students with facts, not spouting religious opinions.”

The letter demands that the school district respond within seven days and stop all religious activity going on in its schools.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

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Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

Special thanks to the Louis J. Appignani Foundation for their support of the Appignani Humanist Legal Center.