Openly Anti-Pagan Teacher

[i_am_serenity16]

Now typically I don't complain about school... I'm homeschooled so all I have to do is go in once a week and turn in my work, go over it and get the next week of work... simple enough right? I've never had a problem with any of this, or any of my teachers but I switched to a new teacher yesterday for my Earth Science class and she is terrible!!! I can't believe it! Now let me explain and you'll understand why I can't stand her...
A student who is homeschooled has certain classes that HAVE to be taken with a group, Earth Science is one of those classes. The teacher came to class a half hour late. Now that's forgivable of course, I can understand being late every once in awhile. It's just annoying because it makes me late for anything else during the day.
When I finally got into the class the first thing she did was look around the room, and when she saw me she just looked at me for a few minutes... I ALWAYS wear an ankh everywhere I go, she asked me about it and I told her I always wear it. She asked me about my spiritual beliefs (which took my by surprise because I've never been asked that by a teacher) and I told her I was openly wiccan. She told me I'm not allowed to wear any religious symbols at that school. But yet she was wearing a cross, and so were a few other students in the room. She gave me a lecture on how paganism is "evil" and "satan worship" and demanded I take of the ankh.
I was really pissed off... nobody at ANY school has ever asked me to take off a peice of jewelry no matter what it's religious affiliation is, or given me a speech like that in front of a classroom full of other people. I told her that, and I said that she didn't have the right to ask me take off the ankh. She said if I didn't take it off she'd kick me out of the class until I came back without it on. I hid the ankh under my shirt but she said she wanted it completely off my neck.
By then I was seething! I don't lose my temper easily but I couldn't help it. I told her that she was targeting me because I'm pagan and she was Christian. I said that not only was she wearing a religious symbol around her neck but others in the class were wearing them as well, and that she should ask them to take them off. She said that that was (in her words) "irrelevant to this situation".
I got extremly frustrated and she started back up with her "The Christian God is the only real God" speech. I couldn't take it so I started telling her that Christianity is strongly rooted in paganism and gave a ton of examples. She said I was blasphemous and kicked me out of the class.
I can't believe this. I don't go to any sort of religious homeschooling or anything so this was completely bizzare for me. Is she allowed to do that??? I don't know what to do... I'm thinking of taking this whole thing to the schoolboard... but I don't know. It's not like I can switch teachers because she's the only earth science teacher at the school, and I don't want to go back to traditional school, where I went through similar battles with the students. Any advice would be welcome.

[Faeawyn]

I'm stunned. Is this a public school program? If it is, then I would certainly pursue it and take it to a higher authority. She had no right to persecute you for your religious beliefs. That is outrageous!!!

[i_am_serenity16]

I'm stunned. Is this a public school program? If it is, then I would certainly pursue it and take it to a higher authority. She had no right to persecute you for your religious beliefs. That is outrageous!!!
Yes it is a public school, it's somewhat of an "alternative" school...for students who've screwed up before and are trying to pull themselves back together. But the great thing about the school is that the diploma doesn't say "alternative school" like other alternative schools.

[Raven Reed]

I'd go to the school board. Either everyone gets to wear religious symbols or no one. And the board should know that the teacher is treating students of non-christain faiths like that. Sorry you had to go through that!

[i_am_serenity16]

I'd go to the school board. Either everyone gets to wear religious symbols or no one. And the board should know that the teacher is treating students of non-christain faiths like that. Sorry you had to go through that!
That's what I was thinking! I mean it was just completely stupid! I couldn't believe it!

[Tzhebee]

Actually, I'd probably take it up with the principle before going to the board. Talk to the principle and if possible get written statements from other students in the class to back up your story.

[i_am_serenity16]

Actually, I'd probably take it up with the principle before going to the board. Talk to the principle and if possible get written statements from other students in the class to back up your story.
Good suggestion! I know everyone in that class will back me up on this... I should've thought of that earlier...apparently my frustration is affecting my thinking... :collapse: .

[equinox2]

The written statements are essential - in addition to your written description. Be ready to call the local ACLU depending on how things go with the principle and school board. Good luck - I'm eager to find out how this goes.

Oh, and for reference, you might want to check out this case:
http://www.witchvox.com/cases/lincoln_high.html

Take care - and thanks for standing up for freedom, you have helped us all!

[Rhianna813]

I am also stunned! But so proud that you stood up to the teacher and tried to use reason. She is clearly lacking in that department. A teacher really has no right to stop class and get into a conversation about your personal beliefs. If this is a publically funded school then the rules for staff and student behavior, attire, and religious statements (like jewelry) should be clearly detailed and apply to everyone equally.

It should never be a case when one teacher can impose her personal rules onto one student and kick them out of class for not complying. That is completely riddiculus!! Not sure where you parents stand on this issue but if they are invest in human rights set up an appointment with the Principal with you and your family and tell them what occured and that you want the schools rules clearly outlined for you. If there is no rule about religious jewelry/clothing then point that out. You were not breaking any rules and the teacher needs to be immediately made aware of this.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Rhianna

[i_am_serenity16]

Thanks, I'm going to go to the school today and read through the dress code... I don't recall any rules on religious symbols in it. I'll talk with the people in the class after that.

[Pol]

Keep us updated on what happens. This is pretty interesting.
It reminds me of a Chick tract where a teacher condemns a girl for being a Christian in a science class. Kind of the opposite sittuation. Funny how real life is so different from what a lot of people think it is.

[Chesna]

Let me first say WOW!!! :jawdrop:

Next let me say you sound like a nice, respectable young person and I appluad you for trying to calmly state your opinions and not do something foolish. It sounds like you are trying to make your way into this world and for that I _handclapp

Good Luck and many Blessings,


Chesna

[claxon]

"irrelevant to this situation" ?????

I strongly recommend that you pay absolutely no attention to this teacher at all. They're obviously too stupid to notice (subtle as it may be), the link between you wearing religious jewlery, and other people wearing religious jewlery, and therefore anything they teach is likely to be detrimental to your intelligence. On the bright side, she kicked you out of class, so you didn't have to listen to any of it.

[Calen]

What an ignorant dope :)
Kudos for not losing your cool. Unless your school's entire administration has been infiltrated by religiously intolerant aliens, I'm sure your principal (or Headmistress, or Chief Squirrel) will help you clear this up in no time. Back up your story, and send the cakesniffer to sensitivity training!

[Vetteman]

Good for you, stick up for what you believe in.

[evie_mun]

This is terrible, and this teacher's behavior must be reported at once. Reading the WV article that Equinox 2 posted, I found a snippet of something called the "Equal Access Act" which states:


"Official neutrality regarding religious activity: Teachers and school administrators, when acting in those capacities, are representatives of the state and are prohibited by the establishment clause from soliciting or encouraging religious activity, and from participating in such activity with students. Teachers and administrators also are prohibited from discouraging activity because of its religious content, and from soliciting or encouraging antireligious activity."

and


"Student garb: Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally apply to comparable messages.

May I suggest you print yourself up a copy of the Equal Access Act which can be found here: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/20/chapters/52/subchapters/viii/sections/section_4071.html

If it's still bad contact the ACLU, I'm sure they'd help you out :)

[LadyAutumnCat]

I'd go to the principal. Of course, you should tell your parents and have them involved. What she did is discrimination.

[redlady]

WTF? :scream: She's damn lucky I'M not you're mother :atantrum: . It'd be no missy,my son's not a Satanist-but his mother and all his big,hairy uncles are :yikess: . Seriously,try the whole food chain:principal AND school board concurrently.In most places the school board is elected, so if your parents are'nt registered to vote, get them to, and if the problem continues and the board does nothing about it(this nitwit teacher should at the very least be reprimanded for what she's already done) make sure THEY know your parents vote and have friends who vote, and intend to vote against the current board's opponents in the next election. Hell, if they're game, have one of your parents or their friends RUN for election. Two things all politicians of every stripe and stature hate:losing votes and bad publicity. If all else fails, go to the media-darn sure the ACLU will :smileroll

[merlo]

Just think if you'd been wearing a pentacle?! She might have chased you out of class with a lighter or something...Let us know how it turns out. I wouldn't have taken that stuff either. GoGrl!!

:broomride

[faerieridingdragons]

I say you should have your parents talk to the principal.We had a simular problem back in Febuary,my 6yo son's teacher was showing the class xitian videos.Which upset me because he was having horrific nightmares about the "bad god" getting him,and went so far as to tell me my god wasn't the real god.When I asked him to explain what this "bad god" looked like he said,"you know.he has red hair,red shirt,red pants,red face,and red shoes."{sound familiar}.I told the principal that while I may not be xitian my hubby was and if anyone should be teaching our son about religion it would be us.There is no reason for you or any student xitian or otherwise to be lectured by a teacher as to how or to who you should worship.

[FlyingBear]

Speaking as someone who was expelled from a public high school for being a witch, keep your calm and reasonable attitude going. Get as much facts and research done as you can, contact the ACLU, WARD and whoever can and will back you on this. Take notes, talk to other kids, find out where the school stands on this kind of behavior. But stay mature and even headed, don't give them a reason to put you and your friends under a microscope.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[sarabethv]

Everyone has given you lots of good advice, so I won't repeat what has already been said. Hang in there and get your parents involved. Good luck.

[i_am_serenity16]

Thank you all for the great advice! I'm gonna talk to my parents later when they get home and set up a meeting with the principal.

And BTW... I did check the dress code rules and there isn't any mention whatsoever about religious symbols.

[KatCallide]

that's crap. i'm sorry that you had to go through that and i hope everything turns out well. personally, i think she should be fired. keep us posted on what happens!

[halfwaynowhere]

i hate how some people are so blinded by their own faith, that they won't tolerate others. your teacher needs to be taught a serious lesson. Good luck with your fight, if i were you, i would demand a written apology from that woman.

[Dark Phoenix]

The ignorance this teacher showed is mind boggling and I applaud you for standing up for yourself. Now I agree you should keep you cool tell your parents and talk to the principle who will hopefully take care of this matter if not then take it with his or her higher ups with the help of the ACLU if need be.

[ireann]

That is so wrong. A) She doesn't have the right to to do that in any school I know of. B) Freedom of religion means any religion not just hers. I am sure if you talk to the principal she will get in trouble, and if not go to the scool board. If they don't do anything, suggest that you will sue. They kinda have to listen at that point. Just make sure you get written testimony from you classmates. I am not suggesting that you do sue, usually the threat wakes them up. :yourock:

[Élistariel]

She did what?! :foh:
I need to get my friend to reply to this. She was going to be a teacher, but changed her mind because
A. You're not allowed to express your political or religious beliefs
B. oh wait, A sums it up

It is her place to TEACH not to judge.

[Eldric_Dragonsblood]

My father is a long time teacher and an ordained conservative christian minister, and he gave me advice in dealing with the school of my daughter:

"If the school, or any of the teachers, has done something you feel is illegal, you don't concider...you go and talk to an lawyer. That's it...don't think about doing it, just go and do it. If nothing else, you will hear what they think of the situation and then understand your rights. At the least the situation will be fixed. At the worst, having an attorney with you at a meeting with the school officials will make them aware you are not happy with the situation and you will take action if needed. Don't worry about taking money from the school board either. You are dealing with one child's education, and that's all you have to worry about."

In other words, you should get the statements, check the school rules, and take all that to an attorney's office. Don't talk to the principal until you have talked to a lawyer.

[xarimae]

Not only could you take it to the school board but you could sue the school for her behavior. I would certainly do one of the two and sue if she is not removed from her position in the school. I had a similar problem when I was in high school. My 10th grade english teacher didn't teach english. She taught us about church. Talked about church all the time, made us pray in the class, she was a real nut ball. I got pissed and felt offended by her MAKING me bow my head and recite along, so I along with my very loving and compassionate friends who also didn't attend church or felt it wrong in school, went to the school board. She was fired 1/2 trough the semester.

That is why I want my children homeschooled. I love the south and will always be a southerner. I refuse to move from the bible belt because people don't understand me. But I don't want my children to be the target of rude comments and gossip because of their beliefs.

You have to stand up to people who try to tell you that your wrong for believing the way you do. Nothing will ever change in that school, the community, or for that matter the whole world if these instances go unnoticed. She's violating the law and is clearly in the wrong. I wouldn't have taken if off either, so bravo to you. *hug* Sorry if was so traumatizing. Its reasons like that that made me be a closet pagan for my school years!!

[WingedTigerChild]

Definitely begin with talking to the Principal about the incident, and then move on up from there, provided no action was taken. Like someone else mentioned, I'd be scared to take her authority in earth science if she cannot understand something so simple like why her wearing religious jewelry was relevant to the situation.

Best of luck. :hugz:

[IvyWitch]

Definitely begin with talking to the Principal about the incident, and then move on up from there, provided no action was taken. Like someone else mentioned, I'd be scared to take her authority in earth science if she cannot understand something so simple like why her wearing religious jewelry was relevant to the situation.

Best of luck. :hugz:

I agree. With such a strong stance on religion I would be worried about her knowledge of and ability to teach science.

[i_am_serenity16]

So I got 5 people from the class to back me up with written statements and talked the whole thing over with my parents. They don't approve of my beliefs but they feel that what happened was wrong. Even they don't ask me to take off my ankh and they're my parents. They told me that they will fight this thing with me because they feel it's totally wrong to do what she did... and they're Christian too (go figure that one out! I didn't think they'd support this) So we have a meeting with principal of the school later and I suppose I'll see how this goes from there... I'll keep you all updated.

And thanks for the support and adivce... it is MUCH appreciated!!!

Em Hotep

Serenity16

[Calen]

It's awesome that your parents are being supportive. Keep us posted!

[Rowan Darkmoon]

Yeah!! That's good news. Good luck and keep up posted. :woot:

[Raven Reed]

Isn't it nice when parents fool you like that?

[greenwitch]

It's illegal for her to be doing this, she's violating a civil right, the freedom to worship as one pleases, and also that little thing called "separation of church and state" and school is a state building. she could lose her job for it. and it should be noted. take it to the school board, let her know you mean business, and that she's gotta learn NOT to persecute others for different beliefs.

[i_am_serenity16]

Well I just got back from meeting with the principal... She's a b!tch if there ever was one! At first she claimed there was nothing she could do (what BS) but after some "civilized" negotiating my parents explained to her they wouldn't hesitate to not only go to a higher authority than her but also go to the local newspaper (we have friends who write for the paper)... she decided she could "look into the claim against this teacher".
She also claims that this teacher has a spotless record and has always been a HUGE asset to the "teaching community" and told my parents that I was mentally unstable, angry and a drug addict and that this whole thing was probably in my head!!! What BS! I couldn't beleive it. My parents couldn't either, we're going to the school board now. If it goes any farther we'll take it to the papers.

I can't beleive these people... anti-pagan teacher... b!tchy principal... can't wait for the school board. :meanhead:

[greenwitch]

I can't believe that!!! I woulda wanted to punch her in the face! :grrrrr: But I'm glad your parents are taking this seriously! _handclapp I'm with you all the way here!!

[i_am_serenity16]

Thanks greeny! I had to walk out of the room after she said all of that... I was SOOOO mad!!!

[Valkie]

Wow... all I have to say is wow...

This whole thing is about civil rights. For the teacher to do that in the first place was dumbfounding, but for the principle to pull the shit that she did! Honestly, I can kinda understand trying to stick up for the teacher to minimize damage to her carreer, but to call you a drug addict and mentally unstable!! And her not being able to do anything about it is crap if I ever did hear it!

It almost sounds like she wants it to turn into a public fiasco.

[MorningDove030202]

When you love your kids, you stand up for them, even if you disagree with what they are expressing.

....bottom line, your religion, and your teachers religion are no one's buisness at a public school... School should either be pro-religious diversity, or have a don't ask, don't tell pollicy..... Religion should NOT be an issue at school-end of story.

I'm sorry this happened to you, and I'd be happy to write a letter on your behalf stating that Wicca is a religion recognized by the US military. Just PM me if you want my help....

Here is also a link with some good handouts for non pagans......
http://www.paganpride.org/resources/pdf/Pagansinschools.pdf

Blessed Be!

Dove

[Forsythia]

One thing that the principal may have been telling the truth on is that she may not have been able to do much besides talk to the teacher and try to get the teacher to see things your way. This is especially true if the teacher has a union and is tenured; which makes them practically demi-gods in the classroom. The only way to upsurp that is to create a holy roar about immoral, unethical and illegal practices.

It was good for you to go to the principal (who may also have their own union) because at least no one can say that you didn't follow proper procedure and went off half cocked. I would also solicit the school board on this, not because I think it will do any good,it is just that if this goes public or legal, you have already covered all your bases in doing what you should have done. Otherwise the media will ask you as well as lawyers about why haven't you tried resolving this the proper way first by going through the proper channels before you contacted them.

Believe me, as a parent of school aged children, I know.

Personally, I think tenure for teachers and administrators should be thrown out. I think tenure should be discarded through all professions that have it as it turns too many people into self righteous primadonnas who behave badly to poorly and turn their classrooms into their own personal arena of likes and dislikes and prejudices; I even had to deal with professors at college who got too high and mighty for themselves. If our President is so interested in education, he would eliminate tenure so that these teachers would focus more on equity and equality and teaching, for goodness sake, rather than ruling over their student serfdom.

[Catiana]

Sounds like its time to get a lawyer. I'm sure there are plenty of lawyers on the ACLU's staff that would take the case.

[RhiannynWildseed]

Definitely, definitely contact a lawyer. Take them with you to the school board hearing. If the principal isn't willing to take this seriously and is starting to fling mud of her own, then it's time to let these people know that you're serious. Yes, take written affidavits from your fellow classmates, but I would also take your classmates. It's one thing to have their word on paper, but it's something else entirely to have them there in person to give their account of the incident.

If the school board does nothing, then I wouldn't hesitate to contact your local media and the ACLU. I had a teacher like this in high school. It was her job to teach French, but she like to preach about Jehovah. Finally enough of us had it up to our necks one day, and we all stood up and threatened to walk out and call the school Superintendent. She realized we were serious and dropped the whole thing.

All in all, if you are still attending this class, I hope you are still wearing your jewelry and not sacrificing your rights on her altar of self-rightousness.

[Calen]

Keep at it. I'm not sure how tenure works, if this is the case, but I'm sure it won't stop the principal at least having this woman apologize once you show her the statements you got from the other students. The whole class can't be 'mentally unstable drug addicts', can they? Good luck!

[WingedTigerChild]

Our local HS aquired a Principal like that. Things got so that some students went and complained to the schoolboard, but they were the same way, so my year had a large drop-out rate. I think one student ended up getting a lawyer, but I don't know what ever became of that situation because the Principal still lives and breathes. In any case, I hope your situation can be resolved soon and with minmal fuss.

[Lunacie]

Keep at it. I'm not sure how tenure works, if this is the case, but I'm sure it won't stop the principal at least having this woman apologize once you show her the statements you got from the other students. The whole class can't be 'mentally unstable drug addicts', can they? Good luck!

Exactly right! Is the principle going to claim that the other five students are also "mentally unstable, angry, drug addicts" and the the whole thing was a mass hallucination? Sheesh!

[Ben Gruagach]

If the principal said that this was just some hallucination, and you've confirmed that there is no rule in the dress code about wearing religious jewelry, then I guess you can continue to wear your ankh openly in class, right?

If the teacher denies that they told you to take off the necklace, then what is there to stop you from wearing it?

It seems to me that the teacher and principal have gotten a good start at painting themselves into a corner. Either the teacher DID tell you to take off the necklace (which is clearly WRONG) or else the teacher didn't, which means there's no problem with continuing to wear the necklace openly in class.

[Protagonist]

Dude... you could totally sue over this. I'd do it, just to teach the lady a lesson.

[materra]

I think Ben has the right idea. Wear your necklace and see what happens next time in class. I also think your parents rock! They are supporting you in a difficult situation even though they don't agree with your religious choice. You are very fortunate in having them. Finally, I would be guided by your parents about this event. It is so easy to say "sue" or ACLU in these situations. However, when you do that, it opens up a strugle that takes time and efforts you and your family may not be able to do or want to participate in. Often calm and a reasoned approach up the chain of command will do just what you want without a media circus and law suit. Those are actions of last resort. Keep working on the situation, continue to openly wear your symbols of belief and see what the next step is. Best wishes and Univeral energy to you and your parents.

[Eldric_Dragonsblood]

As I said before, you need an attorney yesterday.

You have a case against the teacher for violation of your first admendment rights. Additionally, now you have a case against the prinicipal for slander, and violation of her authority. No non-trained person may make the statement that a student "is" mentally unstable. They may suggest to the parents to have a child tested. But a school official (with the exception of SOME councilors) are not allowed to make statements of medical diagnosis ("your kid is mentally unstable"; "your kid has ADHD", etc.) nor are they allowed to make suggestions to the treatment of any conditions at all ("your kid needs to be on ritalin") To do so is illegal.

I REPEAT
DO NOT GO TO THE BOARD WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY. DO NOT GO TO THE PRESS PRIOR TO CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY.

If you do, you will damage your case and you will have a harder time proving your rights were violated.

[Draco Malfoy]

Wow! I can't believe the teacher did that!

[banondraig]

As I said before, you need an attorney yesterday.

You have a case against the teacher for violation of your first admendment rights. Additionally, now you have a case against the prinicipal for slander, and violation of her authority. No non-trained person may make the statement that a student "is" mentally unstable. They may suggest to the parents to have a child tested. But a school official (with the exception of SOME councilors) are not allowed to make statements of medical diagnosis ("your kid is mentally unstable"; "your kid has ADHD", etc.) nor are they allowed to make suggestions to the treatment of any conditions at all ("your kid needs to be on ritalin") To do so is illegal.

I REPEAT
DO NOT GO TO THE BOARD WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY. DO NOT GO TO THE PRESS PRIOR TO CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY.

If you do, you will damage your case and you will have a harder time proving your rights were violated.

i second that.

[PoisonIvy]

I could be wrong about this but I believe that some of my ancestors came to the US on a little boat so that they could practice their religious freedom. I was under the empression that that was what America was all about...freedom. I had a christian upbringing and I still believe in that same God,but isn't religion like a@@holes? Everybodies got one! I say,wear your ankh with pride! If they are allowed to wear a symbol of their faith then you should be allowed to wear a symbol of yours!
As soon as that teacher asked me about that necklace,I'd have told her that it didn't matter because it didn't have anything to do with the learning process!

[materra]

i second that.
And "ditto" here on what they said. While I would be cautious in my approach about this matter...what Eldrec_dragonblood said is priceless advice and true.

[Pure Ahimsa]

Eat the teacher.

[i_am_serenity16]

Apparently SOME good has come of all of this... I went to the school this morning for my work and everyone who saw me came up and talked with me about how awesome they thought it was that I stood up for my beliefs, a few of them have asked me to explain the basics of my beliefs. I think it's sort of given people at the school a bit of a wake up that they don't have to lay down and let the teachers walk all over them, and it's pretty cool to have some people curious about wicca and paganism. At the same time everyone seems to be treating me like a hero but I don't want that... I didn't do any of this for any kind of recognition or glory, I just did what felt right. I didn't like being told to take my ankh off and felt I was being unjustly persecuted for my beliefs so I did something about it... and now everyone thinks I'm a hero.

[MorningDove030202]

It's not everyday that people stand up to the "establishment". What's wrong with some people being inspired by you? You are worth it! Enjoy it!

Dove

[BelovedDru]

Wow...and I thought some of MY teachers were backwater...openly thrashing religion should be punishible by termination of your job.

Of course, I probably wouldn't have been able to take it. I probably would have bitten her head off and walked out the minute she asked me to remove my jewelry, and probably would have reported her to someone. I don't think people like that should be allowed to teach.

One more time...

*headdesk*

[BabblingImp]

You know in these situations you have to keep a cool head and I think you have done a really good job at that! And what will make you feel better is to laugh at the teacher, (Not to her face but to yourself.) It will keep you from going off the edge in stress. Now you may be or may not be a Harry Potter fan, but there is one word in those books that I find to be the best word you can use in this situation............MUGGLE! I mean that is a good word right there! I use it all the time, it normaly goes like "G*d d#@@M Muggles!" you feel better and happier! And Good luck! :uhhuhuh:

[i_am_serenity16]

It's not everyday that people stand up to the "establishment". What's wrong with some people being inspired by you? You are worth it! Enjoy it!

Dove
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it really. I'm quite honored by the reaction that this has brought about. It's just that I'm somewhat shy, believe it or not... most people find me weird. Aside from being a witch, I dress very goth... all black, purple hair, dark makeup; and I play in a metal band... so people find it wierd that I'm shy. But yet I am... I'm just not used to all the attention this has brought, not that I really mind it too much.

[~Macha~]

lightin a candle for ya when i get home from school!

[i_am_serenity16]

Thanks. I could use all the energy I can get!

Just found out... meeting with school board next week. This'll be interesting. My mom and dad are working on finding a lawyer for cheap... they have a friend who is dating a lawyer so maybe he can help us out.

[Black RiverWolf]

All i can say is what a bi%^&. I always went to school with a pentacle or something on and when they asked I told them what it was and that was that. When they found out at work that i was not a 'Jesus Freak' (no harm ment to those who belive in that path) they have started to come down on me pretty hard. but i don't care and it will not bother me one bit. Just think though Serenity. You are passing on what our path is to others and fighting the fear that they have in us. I am very proud of you for doing what you are. And above that not being a attention whore about the thing. But i agree about taking a lawyer to the schoolboard meeting that will help you alot also taking those who witnessed the incident with you. You may find that you more support from those who think that you are wierd a scary than you think.

[i_am_serenity16]

Thank you black riverwolf, your words are encouraging! :)

[Hærfest Leah]

We have one here that students have told me the professor crams christianity in everyones face every class. Shes so glad I was never a student of hers. Good luck, she deserves a kick in the pants or a firing.