TOTALLY GEEKED!

weltschmerz · Guru

RE: School attempting to shut down high school off campus religious group lunches

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

weltschmerz wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Gosh no they should all be victims just like flan.
Jesus Christ!
You're really obsessed.

For someone who doesn't believe in God, you certainly yell his name a lot.

Tinydancer · Guru

Welts is obsessed with God...Or with flan and she's jealous because she thinks I am too.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

They don't have anything to add about the OP so they have gone on to attacking.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I know. I seriously can't understand defending the school on this AT ALL. It's is absolutely none of their business, and as a government entity - the do not have the right to infringe on freedom of religion.

Tinydancer · Guru

Well they are allowed to attack but don't you even think about it lily.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Anyone who truly wants to protect their rights and freedoms should be worried about the repercussions this could hold.

If the school wins in this situation, it could prove very dangerous for all of us.

The schools have been able to dicipline for what kids post on social media, if the schools become able to dictate off campus activities, well, where will it stop?

burns07 · Guru

the school will lose--attendance of these events is voluntary not compulsory, is not school-sponsored/endorsed or supported financially with district funds and not ocurring on designated school property

freedom of speech, freedom of peaceful assembly

ed11563 · Guru

I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.

There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Ohfour · Hooker

ed11563 wrote:
I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.
There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Yeah, those brownies are gonna make them Praise the Lord...

What are you smoking?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
The disturbing part is that they are even trying to squash it. What business is it of theirs? Why does it matter to them?

Yeah none of their dang business!

Ohfour · Hooker

But but but Welts!!!! Nothing religious should be allowed on public grounds!!!! Ever!

Ohfour · Hooker

Ohfour wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.
There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Yeah, those brownies are gonna make them Praise the Lord...
What are you smoking?

Although, I have eaten some brownies that would make me Praise the Lord....just sayin...

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

It's off campus. Students are allowed to leave the campus to eat lunch. It isn't any of their business where they are eating lunch or with whom.

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
The disturbing part is that they are even trying to squash it. What business is it of theirs? Why does it matter to them?
Yeah none of their dang business!

Because students started complaining about it. I really wosh we had more info about that.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

So what? Someone complains which means what exactly?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
It's off campus. Students are allowed to leave the campus to eat lunch. It isn't any of their business where they are eating lunch or with whom.

I agree. The school shouldn't have anything to concern themselves with.

However schools have been disciplinig students for what happens off campus for years. 15 years ago my cousin was suspended from school for a party he threw over the weekend where alcohol was served. It was a public school and he was suspended for off campus activities. It makes no sense to me but it happens all the time. And social media - kids are always being suspended for what their social media accounts are saying. I think that's BS too.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
It's off campus. Students are allowed to leave the campus to eat lunch. It isn't any of their business where they are eating lunch or with whom.
I agree. The school shouldn't have anything to concern themselves with.
However schools have been disciplinig students for what happens off campus for years. 15 years ago my cousin was suspended from school for a party he threw over the weekend where alcohol was served. It was a public school and he was suspended for off campus activities. It makes no sense to me but it happens all the time. And social media - kids are always being suspended for what their social media accounts are saying. I think that's BS too.

i agree. I think that is BS too. The school shouldn't be policing kids' lives 24/7.

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
So what? Someone complains which means what exactly?

I don't know. I don't know who was complaining, or why, or what their concerns are, other than the lunchbis divisive. Which is why i wishbwe had more info.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Dona Worry Be Happy wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
So what? Someone complains which means what exactly?
I don't know. I don't know who was complaining, or why, or what their concerns are, other than the lunchbis divisive. Which is why i wishbwe had more info.

As long as it's off campus, then i think it's fine. But, you're right, the article really isnt very clear.

WYSIWYG · Guru

I've only read the OP so far, and I think that there's not enough information in that article.

Food safety can be a legitimate concern, but, do they have any standing to insure it by enforcing their rules on off-premises consumption? I don't know how they could.

This has nothing to do with "do they allow packed lunches?" or not because, unlike with packed lunches, many of the kids are getting food that's not from their parents.

I think the "Jesus lunch" is a great idea, as long as no one is being bullied to attend.

If the school wants to stop it, all they have to do though is end the off-campus lunch option.

ed11563 · Guru

Ohfour wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.
There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Yeah, those brownies are gonna make them Praise the Lord...
What are you smoking?

I had to educate my kids about the "Jewish" ceremonies and celebrations we were invited to, in the basement of a local church ...

run by "Jews For Jesus" fraudsters.

I'm just saying that free food can be very appealing, and I would expect that since it's a Christian function, there might be discussions that could influence kids' understanding of their own religion and someone else's religion. The parents have to expect this and address it proactively with their kids.

I don't think keeping kids away from the food and friendship would be possible.

WYSIWYG · Guru

I just had a thought about this. I hope it's multi- or non- denominational. I would hope it would be about Jesus, not about Catholic beliefs or Methodist beliefs, or Lutheran beliefs.

Tinydancer · Guru

ed11563 wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.
There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Yeah, those brownies are gonna make them Praise the Lord...
What are you smoking?
I had to educate my kids about the "Jewish" ceremonies and celebrations we were invited to, in the basement of a local church ...
run by "Jews For Jesus" fraudsters.

I'm just saying that free food can be very appealing, and I would expect that since it's a Christian function, there might be discussions that could influence kids' understanding of their own religion and someone else's religion. The parents have to expect this and address it proactively with their kids.
I don't think keeping kids away from the food and friendship would be possible.

Well then you as a parent need to make sure your kids know what you want now don't you. The world is full of messages and if you think talk of Jesus is a horrible thing for them to hear then you didn't teach them well enough did you? I know my daughter was taught what's important so I count on her to believe whatever is good and true.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Ohfour wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.
There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Yeah, those brownies are gonna make them Praise the Lord...
What are you smoking?
Although, I have eaten some brownies that would make me Praise the Lord....just sayin...

You totally beat me to this joke.

ed11563 · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
I could see parents of non-Christian kids being concerned about their kids accepting food from this group, but that warrants a conversation between the parents and their children.
There's no good reason for the school to be involved or even have a position on the subject.

Yeah, those brownies are gonna make them Praise the Lord...
What are you smoking?
I had to educate my kids about the "Jewish" ceremonies and celebrations we were invited to, in the basement of a local church ...
run by "Jews For Jesus" fraudsters.

I'm just saying that free food can be very appealing, and I would expect that since it's a Christian function, there might be discussions that could influence kids' understanding of their own religion and someone else's religion. The parents have to expect this and address it proactively with their kids.
I don't think keeping kids away from the food and friendship would be possible.
Well then you as a parent need to make sure your kids know what you want now don't you. The world is full of messages and if you think talk of Jesus is a horrible thing for them to hear then you didn't teach them well enough did you? I know my daughter was taught what's important so I count on her to believe whatever is good and true.

Maybe I'm still sleepy (or drugged after having anesthesia 4 times), but this sounds like you're lecturing me, when in fact we are in complete agreement.

Did I misinterpret something?

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

WYSIWYG wrote:
I just had a thought about this. I hope it's multi- or non- denominational. I would hope it would be about Jesus, not about Catholic beliefs or Methodist beliefs, or Lutheran beliefs.

If it's off campus, it isn't their business either way. So "non denominational" is somehow OK but Catholic or Methodist is not? Oh ok.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

MIDDLETON, Wis. – Middleton-Cross Plains school district officials are doing more than urging parents to stop serving “Jesus Lunches” to high school students at a public park every Tuesday.

They have been physically trying to block the parents from using the park.

School officials set up cones to block parents from using the parking lot at Fireman’s Park, near Middleton High School, on Tuesday, according to Phil Stamman, an attorney who is representing the mothers involved with the Jesus Lunch program.

Donald Johnson, the superintendent of the Middleton-Cross Plains district, was among the school officials who tried to order the parents from using the park, Stamman said.

The parents ignored school officials’ orders to turn away, according to Stamman. They parked along the street, walked into the park and set up the food for the lunch, anyway, he said.

“They coned up the parking lot, waited there and confronted my clients and told them to leave,” Stamman said. “(The parents) responded how I recommended. They walked right past them. The superintendent repeatedly tried to confront them. He was the first one. But they just moved on.”

The school district claims it has jurisdiction over the city-owned park because it leases it from the city during school hours. But that lease does not prevent citizens from entering or using the park for any legal reason, according to Stamman.

“Case law is very clear about that,” Stamman said. “The public park can be leased to another public entity, but it’s a non-exclusive lease. It’s not fenced off and it’s still open to the public. Because of that the laws associated with the First Amendment still apply.

“Nobody else was being told not to walk into the park.”

Beth Williams, one of the organizers of the student lunches, issued a statement defending her group’s right to use the park.

“Fireman’s Park – a public park owned by the city of Middleton – remains accessible to everyone in the public for the purposes of assembly and free speech,” the statement said, according to Madison.com. “By law, the lease agreement between the city and the school district of Middleton does not privatize the park.”

School district officials could not be reached for comment.

The weekly lunches, involving parents meeting with students to eat, discuss their Christian faith and distribute Bibles, have been going on for years. It started on the high school campus with a handful of students meeting their mothers for lunch, but became much bigger over the past few years and moved off campus, eventually to Fireman’s Park, according to media reports.

“In the spring of 2014 … 10 students invited their friends to a free lunch and a brief spiritual talk in the open air pavilion across from the high school,” according to AllGodsPeople.com. “The group meets for eight weeks in the fall, and eight weeks in the spring. The first week 40 students showed up, then 70, the next week,100 students came. The five moms make all the meals, set the tables, arrange for the speakers and clean up, every week.

“Last fall the word had spread (pun intended) and the first week 200 kids showed up, then 300, then 400-450 every week! That represents 25% of the Middleton High School student body, meeting every week for a free hot lunch and listening to a Christian message.”

School district officials recently sent a letter to parents, expressing concerns about the event and urging parents to end it.

The letter said school officials “believe that religious or political events do not have a place in our schools or on our campus, except when sponsored by a student group in accordance with our rules, which require prior approval.

“In addition, many students have conveyed to us their concern about a group offering free food to incentivize participation in a religious event on campus. The result of which has a divisive impact on our learning community. As such, we will continue to work with the parent group to find an amicable solution.”

The school district has also expressed concern about the quality of the food being served to students, but Stammen rejected that argument.

“Their true motivation is clear – it’s the religious speech (they object to),” said Stamman, who added that school officials have sought the help of local police to evict the parents, but they have declined to intervene. “Students are free to go a local gas station to buy food, a friend’s house, McDonalds. It’s not an issue with food. The problem is the religious message and the fact that it’s becoming too effective.”

Stamman said the parents could take legal action to protect their right to use the park, serve the lunches and speak freely about their religious faith.

“I’ve been talking to a lawyer for the city and my clients and the Alliance Defending Freedom,” he said. “We’re reviewing our options. We have not decided how to move forward yet.”

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Seems the school is violating the public's use of the park, and being obstinate. What part of "let the lawyers handle it" do they not understand?

Actually, they probably do understand they don't have the right to do what they are doing.

The school district claims it has jurisdiction over the city-owned park because it leases it from the city during school hours. But that lease does not prevent citizens from entering or using the park for any legal reason, according to Stamman.

“Case law is very clear about that,” Stamman said. “The public park can be leased to another public entity, but it’s a non-exclusive lease. It’s not fenced off and it’s still open to the public. Because of that the laws associated with the First Amendment still apply.

“Nobody else was being told not to walk into the park.”

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Been thinking.

The elementary school my kids went to is less than 50 yards from a public park aND gym. They share driveway and parking. The school had to send home permission slips for the students to use them.

They are off campus.

And under the old principal(who should have retired 10 years before she did)became very territorial.

If someone was there, she would have the police come out if she couldn't get them to leave.

I think our schools have become to full of themselves.

They forget they provide a service and are not a governing body.

But it is our fault. We, the general we, have allowed it.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Yep. The school's concern over what food is going into the bodies of the students is laughable. Are they going and inspecting McDonald's and the homes of other students?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

I don't think it's the quality of the ingredients but more that they are being made in a home and not in a commercial kitchen. A lot of schools won't allow parents to bring homemade treats in for birthdays anymore. If it isn't wrapped up commercially they can't bring it in.

Now I think that's a ridiculous reason to try and stop this - I don't think the school should even bother themselves with the gathering at all.

weltschmerz · Guru

So, if it was a LGBT group handing out free food and pushing their agenda, you'd be fine with it?
How about a Muslim group handing out free burgers and pushing Islam?
What about an Atheist group handing out chicken nuggets and telling kids religion is a sham?

Still nobody's business and people should butt out?

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

weltschmerz wrote:
So, if it was a LGBT group handing out free food and pushing their agenda, you'd be fine with it?
How about a Muslim group handing out free burgers and pushing Islam?
What about an Atheist group handing out chicken nuggets and telling kids religion is a sham?

Still nobody's business and people should butt out?

Yes.

You need to let your kids grow up.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

weltschmerz wrote:
So, if it was a LGBT group handing out free food and pushing their agenda, you'd be fine with it?
How about a Muslim group handing out free burgers and pushing Islam?
What about an Atheist group handing out chicken nuggets and telling kids religion is a sham?

Still nobody's business and people should butt out?

It's a public park.

The school doesn't own it.

The school should butt out.

As for your other examples....it's a pubic park.

Any one, LGBT, Muslim, Atheist, can use a public park.

chef · Guru

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
So, if it was a LGBT group handing out free food and pushing their agenda, you'd be fine with it?
How about a Muslim group handing out free burgers and pushing Islam?
What about an Atheist group handing out chicken nuggets and telling kids religion is a sham?

Still nobody's business and people should butt out?
It's a public park.
The school doesn't own it.
The school should butt out.
As for your other examples....it's a pubic park.
Any one, LGBT, Muslim, Atheist, can use a public park.

biggrin

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

chef wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
So, if it was a LGBT group handing out free food and pushing their agenda, you'd be fine with it?
How about a Muslim group handing out free burgers and pushing Islam?
What about an Atheist group handing out chicken nuggets and telling kids religion is a sham?

Still nobody's business and people should butt out?
It's a public park.
The school doesn't own it.
The school should butt out.
As for your other examples....it's a pubic park.
Any one, LGBT, Muslim, Atheist, can use a public park.

Well hell........I meant public!

You knew that! biggrin

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

Last time I checked, Christians were not banned from public parks.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

LOL! No wonder the parents are upset!

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Dona Worry Be Happy wrote:
Last time I checked, Christians were not banned from public parks.

Tell these school administrators, Dona.

They don't get it. wink

weltschmerz · Guru

I suspect that atheists trying to lure and recruit 500 high school kids a day with free food would be a huge issue for some.
You can pretend that parents would be fine with it, but we all know that it would bug the hell out of them, and they'd try to put a stop to it.
Let's be honest, here.

chef · Guru

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
chef wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
So, if it was a LGBT group handing out free food and pushing their agenda, you'd be fine with it?
How about a Muslim group handing out free burgers and pushing Islam?
What about an Atheist group handing out chicken nuggets and telling kids religion is a sham?

Still nobody's business and people should butt out?
It's a public park.
The school doesn't own it.
The school should butt out.
As for your other examples....it's a pubic park.
Any one, LGBT, Muslim, Atheist, can use a public park.

Well hell........I meant public!
You knew that!

I did! But I needed a laugh smile Thanks!

2 of 3 people here convalescing and 1 on the way to doing the same.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

weltschmerz wrote:
I suspect that atheists trying to lure and recruit 500 high school kids a day with free food would be a huge issue for some.
You can pretend that parents would be fine with it, but we all know that it would bug the hell out of them, and they'd try to put a stop to it.
Let's be honest, here.

I don't think anyone is trying to lure or recruit anyone, welts.

The kids come to the lunch, once a week, because they want to.

If an atheist group wants to host a lunch, in a public park. I have to think, that would be within the law.

It's a public park.

Open to the public.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

And people would be screaming about atheists corrupting their children.

flan

chef · Guru

I don't care who has a gathering as long as my child isn't forced to attend.

Oh wait, that's exactly what's going on here. No one is being forced to attend. Ergo, no problem.

Ohfour · Hooker

chef wrote:
I don't care who has a gathering as long as my child isn't forced to attend.

Oh wait, that's exactly what's going on here. No one is being forced to attend. Ergo, no problem.

Exactly. But the libs cant comprehend that. They are so used to being offended for everyone else....

weltschmerz · Guru

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
I suspect that atheists trying to lure and recruit 500 high school kids a day with free food would be a huge issue for some.
You can pretend that parents would be fine with it, but we all know that it would bug the hell out of them, and they'd try to put a stop to it.
Let's be honest, here.
I don't think anyone is trying to lure or recruit anyone, welts.
The kids come to the lunch, once a week, because they want to.
If an atheist group wants to host a lunch, in a public park. I have to think, that would be within the law.
It's a public park.
Open to the public.

They come for the free Chick-Fil-A burgers and brownies, and get a heaping helping of Jesus with their meals.

If this was a "There Is No God Lunch' doing the same thing, there would be objections and plenty of them

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

flan327 wrote:
And people would be screaming about atheists corrupting their children.

flan

And youn and Weltz would be saying it is a public park and they have a right to be there.

Why are you on the side of oppressing a peaceful gathering?

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

flan327 wrote:
And people would be screaming about atheists corrupting their children.

flan

I don't think so, flan.

By the time kids are in High School, they already have an idea on whether or not, they believe in God.

(For the most part. I'm sure that some, still have questions about God. And some, always will.)

I don't think people "would be screaming about atheists corrupting their children".

Children are going to question things, all the time. It's what they do!

Right?

I wouldn't have had a problem with any of my children, attending an atheist lunch, in a public park, to hear a 3 to 5 minute message, on why God doesn't exist.

Ohfour · Hooker

weltschmerz wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
weltschmerz wrote:
I suspect that atheists trying to lure and recruit 500 high school kids a day with free food would be a huge issue for some.
You can pretend that parents would be fine with it, but we all know that it would bug the hell out of them, and they'd try to put a stop to it.
Let's be honest, here.
I don't think anyone is trying to lure or recruit anyone, welts.
The kids come to the lunch, once a week, because they want to.
If an atheist group wants to host a lunch, in a public park. I have to think, that would be within the law.
It's a public park.
Open to the public.

They come for the free Chick-Fil-A burgers and brownies, and get a heaping helping of Jesus with their meals.
If this was a "There Is No God Lunch' doing the same thing, there would be objections and plenty of them

Wrong.