Education

Religious ‘Candy Cane Case’ Asks: Do Elementary Students Have First Amendment Rights?

Religious Candy Cane Case Asks: Do Elementary Students Have First Amendment Rights?The “candy cane case” may have serious implications for the First Amendment rights of elementary school children. This creatively-dubbed legal battle started back in 2003 when an elementary school in Plano, Texas, refused to allow children to distribute religious materials.

Jonathon Morgan, a third-grade student at the time, brought candy cane-shaped pens to share with his class. Administrators at the Plano Independent School District refused to allow him to distribute the pens, because they had religious messages attached. Back in 2001, another student’s party favors (pencils that said “Jesus is the reason for the season”) were also confiscated.

These incidents accumulated and, in 2004, a number of unhappy families came together to sue the district. CBS has more:

The…lawsuit lists several examples of students being prohibited from promoting their beliefs…a little girl was threatened for handing out tickets to an after-school play with a religious theme. Students were also told not to write the words “Merry Christmas” on cards being sent to troops serving overseas.

Last year, a three-judge panel ruled in the families’ favor. But, the district appealed and the case was heard again on Monday by a full court. The question at the heart of this debate is whether elementary-aged children, like their adult counterparts, should have First Amendment rights.

Watch one of the families discuss their experience below:

This case will certainly be an important one, considering that the end result will impact religious rights for children across the nation. Despite the appeal and an elongated battle, the families’ chances of winning are fairly good. Even the ACLU has joined in support of the plaintiffs.

Comments (219)

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  • MBA
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:58pm

    Where is the consevative version of the aclu to defend our Constitutional rights? This is ridiculous.

    Report Post »  
  • Mustangrider
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:55pm

    What part of “shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof ” don’t these commies understand.

    Report Post »  
  • StevenL1955
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:54pm

    Even if it is too late to save our country guys, still fight with everything we have, and at least slow it down.

    Report Post » StevenL1955  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:59pm

      “Never give up, never surrender!” – from Galaxy Quest.

      Too many have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom to just give it away to a Marxist!

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • sumdad01
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 3:04am

      If God is with us, who can stand against us??

      Report Post »  
  • JCsavedme
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:54pm

    Home School while working to fix our public schools. Stand up to these self – rightious Lib teachers & school officials who think they are right and everyone else is wrong. Above all PRAY for them and ask God for His will to be done!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:53pm

    Does a child have the right to bear arms? That is in the constitution as well but i dont see children allowed to bear arms in school, nor any place. School is for learning science, math , reading , writing and history. Not for religion. I fyou want to talk abotu religion do so at your home or your church. It is a publicly funded establishment paid for with your tax dollars and mine. I dont want ny child to learn religion in a school nor be bothered with it when trying to learn.

    Report Post »  
    • PowerPC
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 5:48pm

      You are right….School should not be used to teach religion. However, that is not what the case is about and I cannot understand how you twisted the facts to make it sound like that was the case. This is about children passing out candy canes with a statement that said “Jesus is the reason for the season”. This was passed out as a gift to other students. If they were offended by the message they just do not have to take one of the pens. It certainly is not a case of the government forcing religion on anyone. As for the cards going to the soldiers overseas with the message “Merry Christmas”, I am sure that they would be very happy to receive such cards from elementary students. Again it is not a case of the government establishing a religion. Comparing this to the second amendment right is assinine. Only a liberal would make such a comparison as it over-hypes the situation and changes the subject, something that liberals are experts at.

      Report Post » PowerPC  
    • sumdad01
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 2:50am

      @Nevermind—> 1. Yes, children DO have the right to bear arms. I was given my first rifle at the age of 7 or 8 years old; I was in the second grade. Along with that rifle came strict and consistent firearm safety instruction from my father. If I failed to follow those instruction, the rifle disappeared; those were the terms. I never had the rifle taken away from me so I guess I did alright.
      But, let’s be serious here just for a moment, shall we? Pray tell just how many “children” actually pay attention to what is written on a “candy cane” pen anyway? It is a writing utensil in a shape they find “fun”! If there is no one in their home to further pursue the “religion” on the pen, I would bet from my knowledge of human behavior [and I raised 2 daughters], that the point is truly a moot one. It is the parents going nuts that affects the children FAR more than anything stamped on a pen.

      Report Post »  
    • sumdad01
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 3:01am

      @Nevermind—>
      One last thought….in that you stated the educational process is “publicly” funded, why should a person [child] with religious values be forced to bow down and yield to those [parents] who wish not to have a reminder of that religious faith or belief? Since a school is “publicly” funded, don’t you find your stance as somewhat lopsided and unfair? Seems to me that since everyone contributes to the funding, it should be a free-for-all. I mean, education comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes. Get over it. I’m sure if you had a child they already have moved far beyond what will play out in court.

      Report Post »  
  • Table Crumb
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:51pm

    Pacific Justice Institution is a law firm of Christian attorneys who are offering to to specifically work these types of cases, FREE OF CHARGE….

    Google it and check them out, it’s nice to know we have people of honor on our side.

    PACIFIC JUSTICE INSTITUTE…..CHRISTIAN ATTORNEYS fighting on our behalf FREE OF CHARGE.
    I will personally send this story to them….

    Report Post »  
  • shakedowncrews
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:44pm

    I guess children are only 3/5ths or less of a “person”…and that decreases the younger they get. Fetus=0% person.

    Report Post » shakedowncrews  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:42pm

    Let’s do something before we lose everything.

    Report Post »  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:56pm

      Educate everyone you know about the harm this administration has done and is doing. How our education system has become a socialist arm. Tell them to tell everyone they know do the same.

      The alarm must sound before many will wake up.

      Reagan said “We are one generation away from losing freedom” Let’s hope he was wrong, and we can still save it with the next. HOME school!

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
  • adouglass1
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:37pm

    Pretty soon we wont be allowed to wear belts or have nice shoes because that might offend someone. This PC crap is just getting old already!! They will start outlawing the words NO STOP MONEY MINE I etc etc.

    Report Post » adouglass1  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:51pm

      PC=Anti FREE SPEECH

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 6:03pm

      You are most assuredly correct on that one it turned out to be not what it was intended to be for. Like how Satan wraps himself in light to pass himself off like that. Like ooh look at this pretty little killer something or other its so cute as it bites your head off!! lol

      Report Post » adouglass1  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:35pm

    We really need to pay attention to tese communist who are educating our children……..Not put Merry Christmas on a card, it is politically correct to write Merry Christmas on anything, this is America, and Merry Christmas is a proper greeting, considering we started this country and we want to maintain our America values……..anyone else can worship as they see fit, those who were not born here, need to be tolerent as we are of their religious beliefs.Merry Christmas is our story our wish for those we care about..schools have no business pushing any law forbidding a practice that been done in the country since its begining.Freedom works only one way……..for the love and practice of our freedoms, openly.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • One Nation Under God
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:33pm

    ok, the article clearly states the school is in Texas. the last time i checked, Texas was part of the US (unless there was another Alamo i missed or something). and i think that any LEGAL citizen in one of the states, have the rights guranteed by the Constitution. this is outragous. soon u wont be able to walk in a church and get down on ur knees without going to jail! this is America, we are Americans, and its time we take it back.

    Report Post »  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 6:22pm

      Any person in or under the authority of the USA has the same rights as any citizen. In fact all of mankind should have those same rights. That’s what the founders were trying to tell the world.

      Report Post »  
  • SheriS
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:32pm

    How about the American citizens band together and get ACLU shut up and out of our lives with their stupdity!

    Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:28pm

    I don’t believe children have full Constitutional rights. They have certain rights under common law and common sense, but they need to grow into the responsibilities inherent in the liberties reserved for adults. But school administrators sometimes go way overboard.

    For example, I think our troops are adult enough to not get offended if a child writes “Merry Christmas” in a card, our servicemen and -women grasping the intent of the greeting. It’s always good to receive mail from home, even if the writer isn’t personally known.

    Occasions like this are why I believe my idea of electing Conservatives at the local level matter more than electing a POTUS.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:35pm

      Unless of course the POTUS is intent on destroying all levels, leaving us without a free country.

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:40pm

      @ IMPEACHBHO

      Ah! But he can be gelded, as it were, by strong Conservative majorities in Congress and in as many states as possible–right down to the local dog catcher.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:21pm

      all kids should have the right to their 1st amendment, as in my house,my kids could speak freely,and were able to communicate openly , but i was the supreme court , i would intervene when i though necessary, and it worked out just fine, my house, my rules, when they got older they would say, i am going to raise my kids like this, well, guess what , now they are the supreme courts of their houses. if they want to make something or take something to school, it was a textbook,everything else was done and sent from home.school is for learning not for demanding anything,but an education.

      Report Post »  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:44pm

      @ commonsenseguy

      In our homes, Friend, we alone make our decisions. In the public realm, it all goes down another road.

      I mean, if someone tells his kid he has a First Amendment right, I guarantee we as parents would be telephoned because our kid called the teacher a buttnut. And that cannot be allowed. In my view, children have certain rights, but not yet others until they can handle the responsibilities.

      For example, please–First Amendment: Kid calls teacher a buttnut. I won’t let THAT go. Uh-uh, no way. Where the teacher stops, I start. That’s how I gave back to God and Country two excellent Americans.

      In another case, my son was accused by his school principal of something, according to a tattler. My son asked who accused him, and the principal said, “I can’t tell you.”

      My son: “My Dad says you have to under the Sixth Amendment.”

      Principal: “Go back to class.”

      And that was the end of it.

      That’s the short version, but it happened. I made sure my children are safe according to their Rights. But I truly don’t believe all rights pertain in full until a child can handle what comes along with those rights.

      Personal and off topic: You getting rain down there without being in danger?

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:27pm

    What a bunch of BS, it’s not like “Merry Christmas to You” is said in a negative way. If some take “Have a nice day” in a negative way that IMO is their problem. God I hate this sense of entitlement we have been fostering in people. How dare you wish me a “Merry Christmas” How dare you have a Birthday Celebration in the office when it’s not my birthday. Pathetic Wimps

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • MichiganPatriot
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:23pm

    Thanks communist party of America you guys are the best…ohhh wait did I say the best? My bad I ment you guys are about as useful as a box of shredded paper!

    Report Post » MichiganPatriot  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:28pm

      hey that box of shredded paper can be recycled, their nasty communist butts can’t ,we all know how the communist treat their people., and it has nothing to do with being recycled.

      Report Post »  
    • regressive_democrat
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:59pm

      Ever heard of the carbon cycle?

      Just sayin’

      Report Post »  
  • Black Manta
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:23pm

    Well this is how satan molds the future…by taking away the truth like “Jesus Christ” and throw him on the back burner…satan is building his kingdom and how is he doing this..by the new generation which are our children…Have anyone taking notice of all the Flash Mobs ( Teens of 15-30 ) walking in stores, taking what they want, trashing stores…my humans the good Lord warned us of these things..Be Watchful…God Bless…

    Report Post » Black Manta  
    • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:26pm

      What if some of the children have parents who are Satanists? Can the kids pass out those religious materials? Sounds like it‘s all OK from the arguments I’m hearing.

      Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:35pm

      LATC thought that you did not believe in the so called (concept) of Satan? So why are you using him/ that as a basis for a discussion? Right I have heard you say their is no God so therefore no Satan so how do you justify this latest position of yours? You are after all a devout atheist correct? Well thats fine and good for you but that is what the trick from Satan is about. You right now as we speak are getting tricked by him and you dont even realize it.

      Report Post » adouglass1  
    • Black Manta
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:42pm

      Adouglass1 what are you talking about??? I’m a God fearing dude unlike others yes there is a Heaven and Hell, but people with lack of knowledge wouldn’t know that…The Fear Of The Lord Is The First Gain To Knowledge and Truth..I pray for nonbelievers….God Bless..

      Report Post » Black Manta  
    • Mandors
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:49pm

      There is a religious component and a wrong component. Here we don’t even get to the religious. Candy canes have been ruled “secular” by courts and hence okay for display/distribution on public property, along with Rudolph and snowmen (um.. persons).

      The school is just mistaken about the law.

      If on the other hand, it’s not religious I can see where the school would like to have some say in what and whether items get passed out to students under their supervision. A blanket rule, if that’s what it is, banning ALL such handouts, regardless of message I think would be reasonable.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • Black Manta
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:05pm

      What law…mans law…thats the law that sends people to hell sorry for that but it is what it is…man made law to their liking.. and just completely disregard Gods law al the way..Wake Up..

      Report Post » Black Manta  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:30pm

      Black Manta maybe you should take a basic reading comprehension class and you will understand what I said better. Also I was talking to Lact see above for that (learn to read) My point to LACT was simple he doesnt believe in God as he is an atheist so how can he believe or use the devil as an example. By that logic alone he doesnt make sense. So Black Manta once again what is your beef with me? Where did I say anything about not believing in God? I didnt and just because you either failed to read or did not understand my post does not make it so. You should probably stop being so judgemental especially without knowing all the facts and just operating on nonsense and hearsay and not someones actual spoken word. If you want to ask a question or propose an idea that is one thing but read first please! Thanks and have a good day Sir/Mam.

      Report Post » adouglass1  
  • lorgrom
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:19pm

    Why isn’t ACLU banging down the doors of the school administration over this violation of students rights? Oh ya, because it Christan values that are being trampled, no need for them to get involved.

    Report Post »  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:25pm

      @lorgrom, i must tell you that the aclu is helping fight this case, to my surprise, they are defending christian rights, i know, shocking ain’t m????

      Report Post »  
  • jessieH
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:18pm

    If some liberal judge ends up overturning it, throw the judge out. We have the right, under the Constitution to do so.

    Report Post »  
  • microace
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:17pm

    This is exactly what is wrong with our Country this should not even be something the courts should even waste their time with, it should have been a non issue at the time…the teacher should have just let the kid pass out the candy canes.

    Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:16pm

    if you think a candy cane is a religious symbol you better get yourself one of those “Jesus is the reason for the season” pencils. here is hoping justice prevails and these parents win. this is a battle we should all take up.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:15pm

    What if some children wanted to pass out materials for a Satanic religion, would you allow it in the schools?

    Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • chfields62
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Sure, why not? Last time I checked, this is still America and we are ALL protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. If you don’t like someones religion or point of view or whatever, thats fine, but you don’t have the right to keep people from saying or believing what they want, if you don’t like it, don’t do it…….

      Report Post »  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Yes. I wouldn’t like and would provide a counter response, much like you do with evolution. What part of the 1st amendment do you not understand? Oh yes, that’s right, you are a liberal thinker – which means follow the leader – no matter how insane – no matter how much he breaks his oath to this country (violating instead of upholding our constitution) by repeatedly bypassing Congress, appointing Czars, personal mandates, etc. etc. etc.

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • ThaBufe
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:32pm

      LACT, if that’s what they want to do, then by all means, go for it. I’m all for fairness. Don‘t try to stomp on my rights and I won’t stomp on yours. Now, if they become outcasts because they distributed those Satanist materials, then that’s their problem but they should be able to distribute whatever they want. I will however draw the line at sacrificing their classmates.

      Report Post »  
    • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:34pm

      Good, as long as you are consistent that’s fine.

      Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • AMERICAN FOREVER FOREVER AMERICAN
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:37pm

      Yes. It would be refused by my child or thrown away.

      Report Post »  
    • Mandors
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:42pm

      I just wonder how supportive we are of our own religion in schools, as opposed to religion in general. What happens in 75 years if and when Islam becomes a significant religion in this country? Are we going to be happy having Allah and the Koran plastered all over our schools?

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • regressive_democrat
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:37pm

      proof positive of a debased mind.

      Report Post »  
    • JustPeachy
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 5:01pm

      Yes, LACT, just like liberals are so consistent allowing both evolution and creationism to be taught in public schools. . . oh no.. can’t have that now can we??? Can’t allow truly free thinkers to have all information at their disposal and to think for themselves. So, that point of view is forbidden–as are Bibles, Jesus pens, etc.

      Liberals are hypocrites.

      Report Post » JustPeachy  
    • ablisterin
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 5:10pm

      No! The problem is your not a “Logical Thinker.” People used to be able to discern between good and evil and make sound decisions. Now, thanks to progressives, there is no such thing as evil or everything that used to be evil is now taught to our children as being good.

      Report Post »  
  • adouglass1
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:15pm

    I would argue that kids first and foremost have rights!!

    Report Post » adouglass1  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 6:26pm

      So a communist pencil is okay?……and the teachers can pass out Obama pencils
      and don’t forget the Union pencil..all good

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 6:34pm

      @ Republicorp huh what? Why are you bringing up communists for? No hell no we fought wars and people died fighting communists of course not. I am just saying that the first amendment is their for a reason. The right to express yourself whether you agree or not just dont yell fire in a crowded theatre etc! Now my child nows and my right would be to crumble up any literature that wasnt Christian or our beliefs and simply exercise my/our right to use a lighter or the trash can!!

      Report Post » adouglass1  
  • adouglass1
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:13pm

    Whatever the symbol of Islam is if that was this case their wouldnt be problem. This country really needs help.

    Report Post » adouglass1  
    • Black Manta
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:46pm

      Don’t be a fool…the Lord call people like that fools…We have Jesus our Lord God…He has removed his blessing hand from over America because of all this nonsence going on like accepting the muslims, tolorate too gays, I can keep going…You humans desrtoyed the word stupidity…

      Report Post » Black Manta  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:33pm

      Balck Manta what are you rambling on about? I was simply saying if this story was about a Muslim using some symbol we wouldnt even be talking about this. Read much as I state below you should take a basic reading comprehension class. I say this because you seem to be missing points left and right.

      Report Post » adouglass1  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:38pm

      Oh my mistake for the proofread police out their after read much their should be a ? question mark.

      Report Post » adouglass1  
    • tomsinclairjr
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:44pm

      No kidding. Look in the mirror. Were you asleep all these years allowing the liberals to get away with all this? Yes.

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 5:50pm

      No I wasnt but thanks for asking!!

      Report Post » adouglass1  
  • Elena2010
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:09pm

    We never would have had this problem when I was a kid in school. We had Jewish kids in our schools, too. All they would do is either refuse the offer or take it and leave it in a locker or pass it to someone else.

    What have we become!? Let kids start to learn how to make decisions on their own. We are raising idiots who will never learn to think for themselves or begin to shape manners.

    Report Post » Elena2010  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:10pm

      So trueThat’s the way Obama and the liberals want it. They fear people that think for themselves.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • vennoye
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:14pm

      I was living in Plano when this all started and it was total stupidity on the part of one teacher that spread like ripples in a pond on both sides! But, if we are having a court case over this in Texas…….what do you think is happening in other states??????????

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • IMPEACHBHO
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:08pm

    ALL Americans have 1st amendment rights. ALL of our rights are being attacked by the current administration. And we have a right to kick them to the curb, and will will exercise that right.

    Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:12pm

      You don’t check the CONSITUTION at the door .. not even in Public Schools … please people home school … private school .. anything you can do to keep these “people” away from our children!

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:13pm

      That’s right.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:13pm

      Do Elementary Students Have First Amendment Rights?
      -
      They do .
      But so what ??

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Obama Snake Oil Co
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Are they Americans? Pretty sure if you are American the civil rights applies to you.

      Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:19pm

      “ALL of our rights are being attacked by the current administration.”

      Uh… the two cases referenced here happened in 2001 and 2003. That said, I agree that being politically correct has gone too far in schools and students are too coddled. Instead of making everything bland and neutral, let people know that everyone has different ideas and we should respect those. If you offer a candy cane and someone says no thank you, bam, they learned to be polite.

      If they fire back with a lawsuit, as happens too often, bam, they learned to become future politicians!

      Report Post »  
    • watchmany2k
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:20pm

      day after day, inch by inch, freedom is eroded unless we continually reinforce it.
      ALL persons who are citizens of the U.S. have all rights afforded by the constitution and the bill of rights.

      Report Post » watchmany2k  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:24pm

      So….embryonic Americans have 1st Amendment rights, too, don’t they??

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:27pm

      As long as they are American citizens, they are afforded the full rights of the Constitution. It is strange how some liberals and the Obama Administration think that non-citizens have American Constitutional rights.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • hauschild
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:28pm

      The problem is, if only 15% of the country takes a stand, it won’t work.

      50%? Ah, that’s a different story and something I would anxiously embrace.

      Report Post »  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:28pm

      I don’t have any kids and if I ever do, you can bet I’d be happy to spend the money on private schooling. Public schools just are not what they used to be 20 years ago. Hell, 10 years ago!

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • kreese
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:34pm

      First amendment rights don’t apply to Christians–for sure if you’re white!

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:52pm

      In the event that I’m not here in December, I wish everyone on The Blaze a very merry Christmas!

      Silent night. Holy night.
      All is calm, all is bright
      ‘Round yon virgin mother and child,
      Holy infant so tender and mild
      Sleep in Heavenly Peace,
      Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • capitalismrocks
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 3:58pm

      Even atheists should be behind this… This is about free speech and the 1st amendment is to protect religious freedom from the govt “congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of” and clearly schools are directly violating people’s rights and civil liberties

      Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:02pm

      @LetUsReason
      Nobody is talking about un-born children, why bring that into the discussion?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:03pm

      Indeed all of us do have Constitutional Rights, guaranteed and embodied for the greatest nation on the planet. This case to me, seems just one more move by the progressives and the left to set the religious faith of the nation on edge, and to divide us into even smaller and smaller groups that can be more easily handled and managed (read ‘controlled’) by them.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • satotbs
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:30pm

      Are home schooled children eligible for reduced or free taxpayer provided meals and study materials and equipment? If not, shouldn’t home schooling families get a property and income tax rate reduction? Think of the public monies being saved by these home schooled children who are not using tax resources such as bussing fuels, school energy consumption, need for additional teachers and administration staff and facilities. Not to mention the lesser costs to society after they become adults who are not functionally illiterate, and morally confused societal burdens. Perhaps it’s time for all the home schooling families in this country to form a Union to promote and protect their rights as citizens performing a valuable service to our Republic. Someone come up a good acronym such as NEW PATRIOTS- National Educational Wing of Parents As Teachers Responsibly Instructing Our Treasured Successors.

      Report Post » satotbs  
    • cessna152
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:35pm

      Ok… I am officially DONE. The 1A is very CLEAR about what it means/says regarding “Freedom of Religion, speech, etc”.
      Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note

      Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

      It is not freedom FROM… but freedom OF!!!!!

      I never thought in my lifetime this would EVER be taken this far that a court has to decide. People, the USA as we know it is DEAD! We are now the USSA…. sad! Freedom in the entire world will never be again!

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • tomsinclairjr
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 4:43pm

      Just try it Obama….I know 10,000 soldiers who would die to defend America’s Constitution.

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • leary1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 5:09pm

      major ditto`s

      Report Post »  
    • shirelover
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 5:10pm

      As a parent who homeschooled my two girls, who are now happy, well adjusted contributing adults, I can tell you that homeschooling is one of the hardest jobs there is. I homeschooled in TX where there were very leniant laws, but I worked hard to teach my girls not just facts, but how to use their minds and how to learn on their own. One of the sad facts of homeschooling is that there are too many parents who do not do a good job and as a result, the whole idea of homeschooling is called into disrepute. One of my girls joined the Navy, she tested out in their entrance exam and the head of Naval Education called me to double check her qualifications since most homeschoolers did not do so well on the exam. ;-) That was an interesting phone call…”Hello, this is the Pentagon calling…”

      Report Post » shirelover  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 6:03pm

      Who gave her these pencils to pass out? Sounds like a money making set-up

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Oil_Robb
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 6:06pm

      ********=socialist/markist=abortion and sodomey=evolution=Godless=Hell for Eternity

      I have no problem if they dont want to believe in a Creator with rules. I just dont understand why they wont let me beleive in one.. and they want to force me to beleive in nothing but a big bang and primortial soup

      Report Post »  
    • Patrick in AZ
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:00pm

      @anonymus
      “As long as they are American citizens, they are afforded the full rights of the Constitution. It is strange how some liberals and the Obama Administration think that non-citizens have American Constitutional rights.”
      ————————————-
      First of all rights come from our Creator – not the Constitution – therefore, ALL people have the same rights. And secondly, the Constitution limits the government’s power so that they cannot trample our rights. Don’t fall into the trap that rights come from the Constitution, because the Constitution is written by men and that means your rights can be taken away.

      Report Post » Patrick in AZ  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:08pm

      @Showtime

      Merry Christmas to you too.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Dont-hate-on-me-2
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:01pm

      i agree with you but this isnt just everyone, these are teachers and school dstricts attacking our children, I personaly have seen how far this goes and its disqusting and when i told the school they are violating my childs rights under the constitution they saud they dont apply. I argued the piont and the next day brought in the admendment and the constitution.. (I won this) one the policy was changed and better contols put in place (i was very happy). But to the piont yes school districts refuse to aknowldge that children are protected under the constitution. Look at what happened to that kid that told the embarasnnent and chief to watch out for bombers. He was interrogated by the secert service without his parent present. Doesnt matter what the excuse is. Evry Amercian is protected by our Constitution.including the children. My children are currently in a private school so its is alot better than public plus im extremely involved. I was ready to go to there 1st grade public school and open fire. (not really) but i was pretty upset at the way our kids are ignored based on race. got to make sure we push them thru the system and no kid left behind except american children

      Report Post » Dont-hate-on-me-2  
    • No1YaKnow
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Yet, Islam can demand special rights within our schools based on their religion and their religion ALONE. Explain that one…

      All citizens have a right to free speech. If you don’t want the “Merry Christmas” message, toss it and eat the candy cane. This is America, you do NOT have the right to never be offended. Our current administration does it to us every day—difference being, they demand we shut up with an iron fist.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:24pm

      “God gave us these rights, but I’m a liberal who thinks that “Jesus” is a code word for, um, “Jesus! ” I’m convinced liberals had part of their brain that uses rational thought removed and had to eat it with Fava Beans and a nice Chianti!

      Report Post »  
    • Airb0rne4325
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:33pm

      i cant believe this is happening in Plano. where is the “ remember the Alamo”? Is Hank Hill gonna have to come to PLano and kick a little AZ?

      Report Post » Airb0rne4325  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:22pm

      If you take away the 1st Amendment right at this young age… they will grow up never knowing it WAS a right at one time… Shame on AMERICA!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Disnylv
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:29pm

      yip, get thee behind us evil one, we have rights and will use them

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 12:22am

      Freedom of speech ends at any door…By agreeing to send your kids to a “public” school, you agree to your child to abide by the rules of such school and the policies created of such school, even with insane policies…There are many things a child can not say at a school, cursing, talking without permission, name calling, etc…Those are all speeches limited by a parent granting the school the ability to regulate a child while in under school authority…Do not send your child to a school with insane policies…Teach them yourself, as we all should.

      As for Christmas, well, first it isn’t a “Christian” holiday…It is a pagan day with Christian context untruthfully added to it..Jesus was not born in December. December 25 is a pagan tradition embraced by “Christians” lying saying it‘s for Jesus’s birth, mixing pagan and Christianity…Lukewarm….Look yourself. Second, would you limit Muslims from writing happy whatever they celebrate, Jews, Hindu, etc…I personally think a kid should be allowed to write as they wish but if policy is against it in a school, a child must follow policy…If you dislike policy of school, remove child or get on board to change policy….

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • thebarbarian
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 1:08am

      this is disturbing and disgusting. OUT WITH THE P.C. DEPT. OF uneducation!

      Report Post »  
    • one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:31am

      EVERYONE BORN, at that precise moment the baby screams, is exercising his/her first amendment rights to free speech, period.. It doesn’t start or stop at certain times throughout your life..
      How is that so difficult to understand ? Never mind we are talking about liberals…

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:54am

      Every parent who has religious beliefs should pull their kids from public schools it would shut the system down and put all these little socialist and their unions out of work. Local churches,temples,mosques,and their relative communities should start home school systems of their own and remove the indoctrination centers from influencing their children. Before the wake up on day and find a Godless(no matter what name you refer to him) Society has been erected right in front of them.

      Report Post »  
    • BJColter Country Music Iconoclast
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:53am

      The infiltration of communists into our Supreme Court, our Congress, and now into our Presidency. We question whether its the right of a student to share faith in Jesus Christ. GOD FORGIVE US!

      Here’s more on that word. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvRDmM5Zx4

      Report Post » BJColter Country Music Iconoclast  
    • mgarrett
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 5:09pm

      This case has absolutely nothing to do with the Obama administration… it has been going on since 2003, long before Obama took office.

      Why shouldn’t elementary student have first amendment rights. If not, at what age do we as Americans earn this right and how is the age determined?

      These elementary students are fully capable of communicating with each other and if another student felt offended, then I can understand the uproar. But that was not the case. I don’t believe any students complained… only the teacher or principal.

      At least this case does not affect faith-based afterschool programs… http://bit.ly/canecandy
      A previous ruling already found that if a school district allows ANY programs, then they must allow ALL programs equal access.

      It’s not about pushing Christianity onto everyone… It’s about allowing everyone to express their own religious beliefs (no matter the religion) and to enjoy our 1st amendment right of “freedom OF religion” and not “freedom FROM religion”!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Ron Morris
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:06am

      If the pens had a religious message from the Muslim “KORAN”,it would be alright!!!!
      America,how do you like the Obama “CHANGE”???????

      Report Post »  
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