A Chicago-area atheist, famous for fighting Christians in court, created a public spectacle over a science teacher who drifted from Darwinist dogma by encouraging students to study evolution critically, from a scientific viewpoint.
For reference, read Scientific Teaching vs. Darwinism: States' Legislation
-- From "Teacher who taught creationism keeps job" by Stephanie Kohl And Dan Rozek, Chicago Sun-Times Media 3/23/11
A Libertyville High School science teacher who referenced creationism in a biology class will not be fired, school officials announced Tuesday night.
Teacher Beau Schaefer, described as a "longstanding District 128 educator," discussed creationism in a classroom lesson about evolution, officials said, but he has been instructed not to do so in the future and he will not lose his job.
In a statement read at school board meeting Tuesday, Libertyville Supt. Prentiss Lea said "the United States Supreme Court and several other federal court decisions have found that creationism may not be referenced or taught in public school science classrooms."
Lea said the teacher "cooperated fully" with officials investigating the allegations, and he has been told not to discuss creationism in the future.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Libertyville High School keeps teacher who referenced creationism" by Stephanie Kohl, Pioneer Press 3/22/11
Not everyone was opposed to the teaching of creationism though. Greg and Kathy Krause, parents of students in the district, said they have no problem with the mention of creationism in the classroom. They also wanted to support the teacher, Beau Schaefer.
"If it's presented, they (the students) can make their own decision," said Kathy Krause. "Why can't they make their own decision? What is the big fear? ... I guess the bottom line is God's bigger than the school, he'll get through."
One student in Schaefer's class, who wished not to be identified, said Schaefer explained creationism only as a theory, not a scientific theory.
"Mr. Schaefer is my teacher and I don't think it's right that people should be mad at him," the student said, adding she did not want to see him lose his job.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Libertyville High School science teacher cited creationism, officials confirm" by Amy Alderman, Chicago Tribune reporter 3/8/11
Community High School District 128 administrators were responding to comments during a recent school board meeting, where Buffalo Grove-based activist Rob Sherman said he had been contacted by a student's older sibling. The student had complained that a biology and human genetics teacher, Beau Schaefer, had been promoting creationist beliefs and attempting to discredit evolution, Sherman said.
"A teacher is teaching that creationism and intelligent design is more relevant than evolution," Sherman said. "You cannot compare and contrast creationism and evolution in a public classroom. If the facts bear out that he is teaching this, I'm asking you to determine the appropriate response. Maybe you need to get someone else in there to 'un-teach' everything Mr. Schaefer has taught them."
Sherman, who is also working to garner support for a state law repealing the required moment of silence in public schools, said he raised the issue in District 128 out of the concern that young minds may be influenced by an authority figure.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Showing posts with label Rob Sherman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rob Sherman. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, October 15, 2010
Court Puts Silence (Prayer) in IL Schools
Saying there is no harm in silence, a federal appeals court in Chicago on Friday revived a dormant state law that requires a moment of "silent prayer or silent reflection" to start the day at every public school.
UPDATE 10/3/11: Atheist Rob Sherman loses as U.S. Supreme Court allows prayer law to stand
UPDATE 1/14/11: Illinois schools resume "Silent Reflection and Student Prayer"
-- From "Court finds moment of silence law constitutional" by The Associated Press 10/15/10
In its ruling Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled legislators who supported the bill said the moment of reflection had a secular and practical purpose in settling down students at the start of the school day.
The ruling came in a lawsuit designed to bar schools from enforcing the Illinois Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. It was filed by talk show host Rob Sherman, an outspoken atheist, and his daughter, Dawn, a student at [District 214] Buffalo Grove High School in suburban Chicago.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Illinois' 'moment of silence' law upheld" by Tara Malone and Andy Grimm, Chicago Tribune reporters 10/15/10
The court upheld the law because it does not specify that the silent time be used for prayer, and because legislators who supported the bill said the moment of reflection had both a secular and practical purpose in settling down students at the start of the day.
A spokeswoman for Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office, which defended the measure, welcomed the ruling, saying it "upholds the legislature's action in voting overwhelmingly to pass this law."
The case now returns to U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman, paving the way for Illinois public schools to once again provide a moment for students to silently reflect or pray on the "anticipated activities of the day."
On Friday, Dawn Sherman, now a 17-year-old senior, and her father vowed to appeal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 10/3/11: Atheist Rob Sherman loses as U.S. Supreme Court allows prayer law to stand
UPDATE 1/14/11: Illinois schools resume "Silent Reflection and Student Prayer"
-- From "Court finds moment of silence law constitutional" by The Associated Press 10/15/10
In its ruling Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled legislators who supported the bill said the moment of reflection had a secular and practical purpose in settling down students at the start of the school day.
The ruling came in a lawsuit designed to bar schools from enforcing the Illinois Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. It was filed by talk show host Rob Sherman, an outspoken atheist, and his daughter, Dawn, a student at [District 214] Buffalo Grove High School in suburban Chicago.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Illinois' 'moment of silence' law upheld" by Tara Malone and Andy Grimm, Chicago Tribune reporters 10/15/10
The court upheld the law because it does not specify that the silent time be used for prayer, and because legislators who supported the bill said the moment of reflection had both a secular and practical purpose in settling down students at the start of the day.
A spokeswoman for Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office, which defended the measure, welcomed the ruling, saying it "upholds the legislature's action in voting overwhelmingly to pass this law."
The case now returns to U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman, paving the way for Illinois public schools to once again provide a moment for students to silently reflect or pray on the "anticipated activities of the day."
On Friday, Dawn Sherman, now a 17-year-old senior, and her father vowed to appeal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Federal Judge Backs Atheist on 'Moment of Silence' in Illinois Schools
"The statute is a subtle effort to force students at impressionable ages to contemplate religion," U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman said in his ruling Wednesday.
-- From "Illinois moment of silence ruled unconstitutional" by Mike Robinson, The Associated Press 1/22/09
The ruling came in a lawsuit designed to bar schools from enforcing the Illinois Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. It was filed by talk show host Rob Sherman, an outspoken atheist, and his daughter, Dawn, a high school student.
Gettleman's ruling was not a surprise. He had already ruled in favor of Sherman in two previous decisions.
As passed by the [Democrat-controlled] Illinois General Assembly, the law allows students to reflect on the day's activities rather than pray if that is their choice and defenders have said it therefore doesn't force religion on anyone.
But Gettleman backed critics such as the American Civil Liberties Union, who say the law is a thinly disguised effort to bring religion into the schools.
State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Chicago, the chief sponsor of the legislation, said she hoped Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan would appeal.
Last year, a federal court threw out a challenge to a 2003 Texas law that allows children to "reflect, pray, meditate or engage in any other silent activities" for one minute at the beginning of each school day.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn upheld the constitutionality of that law, concluding that "the primary effect of the statute is to institute a moment of silence, not to advance or inhibit religion."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Illinois moment of silence ruled unconstitutional" by Mike Robinson, The Associated Press 1/22/09
The ruling came in a lawsuit designed to bar schools from enforcing the Illinois Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. It was filed by talk show host Rob Sherman, an outspoken atheist, and his daughter, Dawn, a high school student.
Gettleman's ruling was not a surprise. He had already ruled in favor of Sherman in two previous decisions.
As passed by the [Democrat-controlled] Illinois General Assembly, the law allows students to reflect on the day's activities rather than pray if that is their choice and defenders have said it therefore doesn't force religion on anyone.
But Gettleman backed critics such as the American Civil Liberties Union, who say the law is a thinly disguised effort to bring religion into the schools.
State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Chicago, the chief sponsor of the legislation, said she hoped Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan would appeal.
Last year, a federal court threw out a challenge to a 2003 Texas law that allows children to "reflect, pray, meditate or engage in any other silent activities" for one minute at the beginning of each school day.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn upheld the constitutionality of that law, concluding that "the primary effect of the statute is to institute a moment of silence, not to advance or inhibit religion."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Buffalo Grove HS: "God Bless America" Removed from Homecoming Song List
"I just couldn't be more proud," said Sherman, who lives in Buffalo Grove. "My daughter got God banned from homecoming this year."
From "Atheist plans to thank Dist. 214 board" by by Eric Zorn, posted 9/20/07 at The Daily Herald
Atheist Rob Sherman will attend tonight's Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board meeting - just to say thanks.
From "Atheist plans to thank Dist. 214 board" by by Eric Zorn, posted 9/20/07 at The Daily Herald
Atheist Rob Sherman will attend tonight's Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board meeting - just to say thanks.
"They're providing my daughter with a fine secular education," said Sherman, a Buffalo Grove resident. "I want to thank them for that."
Sherman's daughter, Dawn Sherman, is a freshman at Buffalo Grove High School and a member of the student council. Recently, she spoke out against having "God Bless America" on the school's homecoming song list.
The council agreed.The song was removed from the list, according to District 214 spokeswoman, Venetia Miles. There are 45 members of the Buffalo Grove High School student council. Sherman is one of 10 freshman members.
"I just saw it on the list, and asked them to take it out," said Dawn, who is 14 years old. "The songs should be secular."
Kevin Cuttone, a veteran of the Air Force, is not happy with the decision to eliminate "God Bless America." The song deserves to be heard, especially when there is a war going on, he said.
A thousand parents and tax payers can't get one filthy book removed from this school but one 14 year old girl complains about a patriotic song because it has the word God in it and "Poof!" it's history...
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