Transgender Restrooms for S. Dakota Schools Passes

Yesterday, the South Dakota legislature passed a bill to comply with President Obama's edict that sexually confused students be accommodated in public schools; those students will use assigned private restrooms, locker rooms, showers, etc.  However, sexual revolutionaries are not satisfied because this means that the privacy of ALL students will be respected, such that use of facilities labeled boys/men and girls/women will be (traditionally) restricted based on "physical condition of being male or female as determined by a person's chromosomes and anatomy as identified at birth," rather than by whim (a.k.a. "gender identity").

"This is such the right thing to do to protect all of our students.  It's a privacy bill, it's a modesty bill, it's sensible South Dakota common sense."
-- Dale Bartscher, Family Heritage Alliance Action

UPDATE 3/1/16: South Dakota Governor Vetoes Bill, Won't Buck Obama Edict (see excerpts below)

For background, read President Obama Forces Wildest Transgender Agenda on School Children Using Full Force of Federal Government and now Hillary Clinton Promises Even MORE 'Transgender/Gay Rights'

Also read President Obama's Enforcer Follows Man into Ladies' Room

And read Virginia Bathroom Privacy Bill Defeated

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Kindergartners Taught Transgenderism in St. Paul

Missouri Residents Protest Transgender/Gay Boy in Girls Locker Room

Parents' Lawyer Halts Wisconsin School Transgender Sneak Attack

Gender Redefined by NY City Law; Biology Be Damned

Also read how the Gay/Transgender Agenda is attacking America one town and one state at a time, but an attack was stopped cold by Houston voters.

-- From "S. Dakota is first state to pass bill restricting transgender students’ bathroom use" by Sandhya Somashekhar, Washington Post 2/16/16

The bill has provoked outrage from gay and transgender rights activists, who say it discriminates against transgender children. They say that it could put schools at risk of lawsuits; in 2014, the Education Department issued guidance finding that Title IX, the federal law that requires equal treatment of the sexes in schools, requires that students be permitted to use facilities that match their gender identity.

But the bill’s proponents have argued that the legislation actually matches up better with the original language of Title IX, which requires separate facilities for the sexes. They say it respects privacy while also meeting the needs of transgender students by requiring that schools allow them to use private facilities, such as a teacher’s or nurse’s bathroom.

The bill, which passed the state Senate 20 to 15, is just one example of how the debate over gay and transgender rights has shifted since same-sex couples won the right to marry, state by state at first and then nationally when the Supreme Court ruled that marriage was a constitutional right for gay couples.

Dozens of school districts have grappled with this issue, but South Dakota would be the first to make it a matter of state law. About a dozen states are considering similar legislation, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "S.D. passes transgender student bathroom ban bill" by CBS News & The Associated Press 2/17/16

Under the plan, schools would have to provide a "reasonable accommodation" for transgender students, such as a single-occupancy bathroom or the "controlled use" of a staff-designated restroom, locker room or shower room.

Republican Sen. David Omdahl urged other legislators Tuesday to support the bill to "preserve the innocence of our young people."

Supporters say South Dakota's plan is a response to changes in the Obama administration's interpretation of the federal Title IX anti-discrimination law related to education. Federal officials have said that barring students from restrooms that match their gender identity is prohibited under [their new, progressive interpretation of] Title IX.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Transgender bathroom bill awaits Daugaard's signature" by Dana Ferguson, Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD) USA Today Network 2/16/16

The South Dakota Senate approved the bill Tuesday on a 20-15 vote, moving it to Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard's desk for his approval. Daugaard has said the measure seems like a good idea and plans to research the issue and listen to recorded testimony before making up his mind on whether to make the bill law.

The vote sparked outrage from Democrats and LGBT families and advocates Tuesday afternoon who said the measure is discriminatory, while conservatives marked its passage as a success in maintaining the privacy of South Dakota students.

Rep. Fred Deutsch, R-Florence, the bill's author, has said the measure is designed to ensure the privacy of transgender and non-transgender students in the most private areas in schools. He said the federal government has overstepped its authority in drafting Title IX regulations that require school districts to accommodate transgender students and they should receive "reasonable accommodations."

The state's House of Representatives approved the measure on a 58-10 vote last month.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "South Dakota Is The First State To Pass A Transphobic Student Bathroom Bill" by Lydia O'Connor, General Assignment Reporter, The Huffington Post 2/16/16

The bill provides that with written parental permission, affected students may request a "reasonable accommodation ... that does not impose an undue hardship on a school district," such as use of a single-occupancy restroom.

The Transgender Law Center lambasted the bill's passage as "distressing and disturbing" and said it believes the legislation violates federal law.

"Every single child, including transgender youth, should have the opportunity to succeed and be treated fairly by our schools and elected officials," the center's executive director Kris Hayashi told The Huffington Post in a statement. If the governor signs the measure, Hayashi said, it will "endanger students and open up South Dakota schools to legal chaos, liability, and the loss of millions in federal funds."

Democrats, arguing against the bill in the Senate on Tuesday, also raised concerns that the measure may trigger the federal government to pull money from public schools, BuzzFeed News noted. Controversy also may prompt a tourism boycott, the Democrats warned.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Senate: Transgender students must use facilities determined by their sex at birth" by Bob Mercer, Correspondent, Rapid City Journal 2/16/16

Sen. David Omdahl, R-Sioux Falls, said the bill protects transgender individuals by providing separate facilities. He said it would preserve “the innocence of young people.”

[Sen. Bernie Hunhoff, D-Yankton] said he doesn’t know why South Dakota was chosen to be a test state, and he resents it.

[Sen. Brock Greenfield, R-Clark] said the state attorney general will defend the state law but won’t defend individual school districts. He said two [religious liberty rights] groups have volunteered to defend school districts.

Sen. Scott Parsley, D-Madison, asked Greenfield if the groups would pay for any legal settlement.

“I don’t want to get off on some rabbit trails,” Greenfield replied. He added that the groups would be responsible for legal costs.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 3/1/16: From "South Dakota Governor Vetoes Restriction on Transgender Bathroom Access" by Mitch Smith, New York Times

Gov. Dennis Daugaard put out a statement late in the day saying that the bill did “not address any pressing issue” facing the state, and that it would have put schools in the “difficult position of following state law while knowing it openly invites federal litigation.”

The measure was pushed by conservative legislators who said it was an effort to protect the privacy of all students. But it appeared to conflict with the Obama administration’s interpretation of federal civil rights law and seemed likely to be headed for a court challenge.

“If and when these rare situations arise, I believe local school officials are best positioned to address them,” Mr. Daugaard wrote in a letter to lawmakers announcing his decision. “Instead of encouraging local solutions, this bill broadly regulates in a manner that invites conflict and litigation, diverting energy and resources from the education of the children of this state.” State Representative Fred Deutsch, the Republican who introduced the South Dakota bill, said he would not seek an override. Mr. Deutsch has said he believed that the federal Education Department had overstepped in its interpretation of Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, and that students’ biological sex should determine which restroom they use. Mr. Deutsch said he had spoken with Mr. Daugaard shortly before the veto statement was released.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals

And read 52-year-old Man is Adopted as 6-year-old Girl

Feds Push Muslim Dress on Christian Girls: Schools

President Obama's Department of Education is advocating the introduction of Islamic garb in public schools, and so schools across America are doing just that.  In Rochester, New York, hundreds of students and faculty participated in World Hijab Day at World of Inquiry School No. 58. Critics said this was a violation of "separation of church and state" but the school's attorney said, on the contrary, NOT bringing Islamic dress into the school would be a constitutional violation.

"Our school believes in diversity and inclusion.  [This] is well within the protocol of experiential learning."
-- Principal Sheela Webster (wearing a hijab), World School of Inquiry

"As a high school teacher for over 30 years, let me say that this is wrong on so many levels."
-- Jim Farnholz

"How disgusting and irresponsible for any educator to encourage a child to wear a symbol of oppression, whether it be religious or cultural."
-- Rebecca Sluman

For background, read of public schools across America pushing Muslim garb.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Students Required to Pretend Being Muslim in Wisconsin

Tennessee Students Taught Muslim Prayer of Conversion

'Allahu Akbar' Taught in Minnesota School for Christmas

Georgia School: Learn Islam or Take Lower Grade

Pennsylvania School Staff to Mosque for Islamic Training

Angry Muslims Storm New Jersey School Board Demanding Holidays

Also read President Obama Gives Ramadan Proclamation (but missed Easter)

And read President Obama Praises Islam for Making America What It Is





-- From "City students wear hijabs as part of cultural event" by Brett Davidsen, WHEC-TV10 (Rochester, NY) 2/5/16

The event was initiated after tenth grader Eman Muthana -- who routinely wears a hijab -- wrote a letter to the school concerned about how she and other girls were being viewed.

Friday, the school set up tables in the cafeteria to allow students to ask questions -- and invited girls to try on a hijab. Boys were given carnations to show their support.

Board of Education President Van White came to witness the event -- and says he came away proud of Muthana and the students who took part.

Parents were notified by automated calls Friday about the event -- but only after media began inquiring. White says in hindsight, the school probably should have planned to bring parents into the conversation sooner, so they could have discussions with their own children about the topic.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rochester school participates in World Hijab Day" by Kelsie Smith, WHAM-TV13 (Rochester, NY) 2/5/16

Critics lashed out on social media as word spread about the public school's decision to partake in the day that some say violates the separation of church and state.

A district spokesman told 13WHAM News they consulted with a lawyer about today's event. The lawyer said there would be more of a legal issue if the school said no to this event.

"I love that we're having the open conversation. I think that's the first step into making it a more open and tolerant environment. I think this is the perfect school for it," said English-as-a-Second-Language teacher Kelly Lalonde.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "New York School Celebrates World Hijab Day" by Jennifer Ong, Morning News USA 2/15/16

It was almost like any other school day, except the hijab, an Islamic headscarf, seemed to be everyone’s fashion of choice among high school girls. It didn’t matter if they were Islam in faith or not. They were simply celebrating World Hijab Day.

World Hijab Day is observed every first of February. The celebration started three years ago when New York resident Nazma Khan thought of using the hijab as a way to promote religious tolerance and understanding. Moreover, Khan wanted to dispel the myth that the hijab is meant to represent oppression and segregation. Rather, this sacred headscarf has the power to make someone feel beautiful.

This year, Khan hoped to have 10 million participants for the World Hijab Day. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Protecting Our Muslim Youth from Bullying: The Role of the Educator" posted at U.S. Department of Education (Winter 2015/16)

. . . Classrooms and schools should provide learning environments that are not only free from discrimination and harassment based on protected traits—including religion—but should also be conduits for students to build bridges with other students across different backgrounds, break down stereotypes, acknowledge and affirm important aspects of their identity, and learn how to be an ally when faced with bullying and bias.

Here are a few important anti-bias and bullying prevention strategies that teachers can use to address anti-Muslim sentiment:

Create an anti-bias learning environment. This means incorporating the experiences, perspective and words of Muslim people into the curriculum through social studies and current events instruction, children’s literature Site exit disclaimer, in order to learn about different cultures. When you teach about world religions, be sure to include Islam. . . .

Encourage students to learn how to be an ally when faced with bias or bullying. . . . In addition, share inspiring examples like Walk a Mile in Her Hijab, whose goal is to spread awareness about Muslim cultural traditions and to combat anti-Muslim bias.

To read the entire posting above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town

And read Most Terrorists are White Christians, Colleges Teach

Failed HIV Test on Gay Porn Star = Disease Spreads

President Obama's agency charged with ensuring the safety of the sexual revolution has determined that a homosexual pornography performer who had tested negative for HIV was, in fact HIV positive, and infected with rectal gonorrhea when he unknowingly infected a porn co-worker plus another person, as well as participated in unprotected anal sex with over a dozen others over a period of days.

"Adult film performers and production companies, medical providers, and all persons at risk for HIV should be aware that testing alone is not sufficient to prevent HIV transmission."
-- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

For background, read Federal CDC Admits Failure: Carefree 'Safe Sex' is NOT Possible

Also read Feds Warn that Homosexual Men are Huge HIV Risk as the CDC Blames Gays for the Sex Disease Epidemic

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

CDC Report Shows Most HIV Homosexual Men Have Unprotected Sex

The Only 'Safe Gays' are Celibate Gays, Says U.S. FDA

Soaring Syphilis Rates Among Homosexual Men Point to HIV Risk

Another Sex Disease Untreatable: 'Super Gonorrhea'

New Sex Disease, Worse than HIV/AIDS

New Gay Health Risk: Meningococcal Disease

-- From "CDC: Porn actor spread HIV after testing negative for it" by Arden Dier, Newser - USA Today Network 2/13/16

Researchers say a 25-year-old male porn actor, labeled "Patient A," tested negative for HIV in 2014 and over the next 22 days had unprotected sex with at least 17 people who hailed from seven US states and four countries.

Then an HIV test came back positive, and further tests showed he likely transmitted the virus to two men: Another adult-film actor and a non-work-related partner tested HIV positive less than a month after their encounters with Patient A and showed a similar strain of the virus, reports Live Science.

Some porn companies require that actors have a negative HIV test within two weeks of filming. But MD Magazine reports tests can't detect the virus within the first 14 days of infection.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "CDC: Gay Porn Actor Spread HIV After Testing Negative -- 17 Sex Partners in 22 Days" by Mark Judge, CNSNews.com 2/15/16

The CDC suggests the porn industry promote the use of condoms, regular HIV testing, and the use of antiviral drugs for performers at risk of HIV.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Porn Star Spreads HIV After Negative Test Result; CDC Warns Industry Needs More Than Testing" by Ali Venosa, Medical Daily 2/13/16

. . . This prompted an investigation into the partners' patient A had contact with between the time he received his negative result and his recent examination. Of the 17 named sexual contacts, the CDC found six were chronically HIV-infected; one had sexual contact with patient A before patient A was infected; and 10 were at risk for infection by patient A." And of the seven of 10 partners patient A had unprotected sex with, two became infected.

Adult film production companies first check a database to ensure the performers they hire have had a recent negative test before filming, the CDC said. But to partially protect performer privacy, production companies are only informed of whether a performer is cleared to perform (or not) on the basis of test results. Since patient A's onset didn't occur until 10 days after his negative test, companies hired him to perform in "bareback films," which involve condom-less anal sex among male performers. This, unfortunately, is only the beginning of the problem, the CDC said.

Employers are required to ensure a safe working environment by law, so the CDC suggests employing multiple strategies to reduce HIV transmission among adult performers. Frequent HIV testing, use of condoms, and some antiretroviral medicines are but a few effective methods the industry can consider. Some antiretroviral drugs have been approved for use as "pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PrEP), a treatment for those who don't have HIV but are at high risk of infection.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Testing Porn Stars Isn't Stopping HIV" by John Tozzi, Bloomberg Business 2/12/16

The debate over whether to force porn actors to wear condoms is a controversial one that’s been playing out for years in California, home of the multibillion-dollar American porn industry. An HIV outbreak in 2004 spooked the industry and briefly shut down production.

Adult film productions may face greater pressure on two fronts in 2016. On Feb. 18, a state board appointed by California's governor to set standards for workplace safety will vote on proposed regulations to explicitly mandate condom use on sets. In November, new rules for the industry will also be put to Californians statewide on a ballot measure that would, among other things, require condom use and allow any state resident to sue to enforce the law. Both could extend restrictions now in place in Los Angeles throughout the state.

The adult entertainment industry opposes the rules. The industry's own voluntary system requires performers to get biweekly HIV tests before working without condoms. Productions that adhere to those standards have not had an HIV transmission in more than a decade, says Eric Paul Leue, the recently hired executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, which represents adult film producers. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Anal Sex is Main Cause of HIV Pandemic, Study Shows

And read about government regulation of "safe sex" on porn shoots

Miss. Transgender Pedophile Assaults Transgender

Krishna "Kris" Maroney, a 24-year-old sexually-confused female from Lucedale, Mississippi, has been indicted by a George County grand jury on multiple counts of sexual battery of a sexually-confused 16-year-old female during a lengthy "dating" relationship in 2012 that included instances of criminal aggravated domestic violence, including attempted strangulation.

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Illinois Lesbian Arrested: Sexually Abused Girls

Homosexual, Lesbian Teachers Arrested for Sex with Students

Kindergartners Taught Transgenderism in St. Paul School

Kindergartners Taught Sex Change in Maine School

Mother Plans Sexual Mutilation of Son, Media Cheer

Obama Top Homosexual Arrested for Anal Sex with Boy

Also read the homosexualist who says: We Recruit Kids for Sexual Deviancy

In addition, read Pedophilia is Sexual Orientation, Like 'Being Gay' and also read Normalization of Pedophilia Urged by Psychiatrists



-- From "Transgender man accused in sex crimes, assault on transgender minor" by Margaret Baker, Sun Herald (Gulfport, MS) 2/13/16

Maroney is accused of engaging in sex acts with the victim eight times and touching the minor sexually on at least two occasions.

Maroney also is accused in one incident of trying to strangle the victim. In another, the indictment says, Maroney cut the victim's tongue with a knife.

George County sheriff's Sgt. J.D. Savage said an investigation began in August after the victim came forward with the allegations.

Maroney is free on a total bond of $100,000.

If convicted of all the charges, Maroney could go to prison for life.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals

And read 52-year-old Man is Adopted as 6-year-old Girl

Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes: Arizona

Despite a complaint about invocations at the Chino Valley Town Council meetings, council members encouraged the mayor to open meetings by praying according to his own personal faith.  At this week's meeting, as he began the invocation, and then again as he closed the prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Rabbi Adele Plotkin of Chino Valley's Beit Torah congregation loudly protested and was subsequently escorted from the room when she insisted on continued disruptions of the meeting.

“Our Bill of Rights protects us against the establishment of religion by the state, and yet it would appear that secular humanism with its mantra of political correctness has become just that, the state established religion which the First Amendment was supposed to protect us against.  Our oath of office requires that we defend the Constitution, and yet we are being asked to give up our right to freely worship according to the dictates of conscious.  As a nation, we have already lost a number of our freedoms:  The right to peacefully assemble and our protection against unreasonable search and seizure are already gone, and a number of others are being stripped away as we speak.  I can't speak for the rest of the Council, but I believe it is time to draw a line in the sand, at least for me it is. . . . Jesus was pretty plain[:] if you pray, ask the Father for anything in my name. It will be granted.”
-- Mayor Chris Marley, Associate Pastor, Miller Valley Baptist Church

“I want the citizens to be aware, us standing our ground, if this is challenged, it could cost the town money to defend it.  Personally, I'm willing to do that.  But we are representatives of the town, so speak up when you get a chance and we'll unite around this.”
-- Corey Mendoza, council member

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Coolidge, Arizona City Council Allows Only Christian Prayers

California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions

Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings

North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School

Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri

Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Also read Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town and read 'Atheist Jew' Sues California Town Council for Praying



-- From "Rabbi ejected from Northern Arizona town meeting over prayer" by The Associated Press 2/11/16

[Mayor] Marley announced before the Jan. 26 council meeting that he would not perform an invocation until council members had a chance to discuss how they planned to conduct invocations after receiving criticism. He confirmed his intention to halt the prayers to media after the Jan. 26 meeting.

Marley said at the Tuesday meeting that he decided to continue with the invocation despite his previous comments because some council members said he should do so.

[Rabbi Plotkin] said her faith considers appearing to approve of worshipping Jesus as idolatry and that she has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] to contest the town's invocation policy.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rabbi protests Christian prayer given at northern Arizona city council meeting" by Bob McClay, KTAR-FM92.3 (Phoenix, AZ) 2/12/16

[Mayor] Marley said he told the crowd they were not obligated to stand while it was being said and that the views expressed were his and not those of Chino Valley.

The majority of people who can be seen in a video of the meeting appear to be standing and joining in the prayer, which ended with Marley saying, “I pray all of these things in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Later in the meeting, the city council decided prayer would continue to open the meetings, with a notice on the agenda announcing the invocation will happen in the first 10 minutes.

Marley said anyone who objects to the prayer can leave and re-enter the meeting after it’s over. Different Council members will take turns leading the prayer, so Marley said they may not all be led to pray “in Jesus’ name.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Chino Valley council prays in name of Jesus; rabbi ejected from meeting" by Ken Sain, Associate Editor, Chino Valley Review (posted at Prescott Daily Courier) 2/11/16

All seven members of the council spoke in favor of keeping the current [invocation] tradition.

Six of the seven Chino Valley council members identified themselves as Christians and one as a non-Christian. The non-Christian member was offered a chance to join the invocation rotation, but declined. Therefore, only Christians are currently giving the invocations.

[Rabbi] Plotkin contacted a Chino Valley Review reporter before the Feb. 9 meeting to confirm that no invocation was planned, saying she couldn't attend if they intended to pray to Jesus. She said she wanted to attend the meeting so that she could begin to build bridges with the council members on this issue, but would only do so if there was no invocation.

"He lied," Plotkin said of the mayor's reversal.

She said she had no choice but to protest because not doing so would have been one of the three cardinal sins, according to her beliefs.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government

And read Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town

Go To Jail for Bible Speech: Univ. Texas Police

Several officers of the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) at Austin issued a citation to Joshua Borchert, an intern with Campus Ministry USA, for using offensive words while preaching on a street across from University property.  The police officers told Borchert that he could face jail for using the words “penis” and “anus” in the context of warning passersby of sexually immoral behavior.

“The first amendment of the Constitution protects offensive speech ... if anyone says anything of substance, it’s bound to offend someone.”
-- Brother Jed Smock, Campus Ministry USA

For background, read Must Censor Speech, Say Most College Students

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Colorado College Bans Bible Talk, OKs Swear Words

Wisconsin Professor Threatens Student for her Christianity

Students Taught to Choose:  Gay Agenda vs. Religion at Univ. of California

Christmas Parties Banned at University of Tennessee

However, Judge Rules Illinois College Must Accept 'Anti-Gay' Speech

No free speech in Canada:  University of Regina Jails Christian American for 'Anti-Gay Hate Speech'



-- From "University Of Texas Police Give Preacher Citation For Offending Students" by Peter Hasson, Daily Caller 2/10/16

The university told TheDC that the officer was responding to students who claimed to be “verbally harassed” by the intern-preacher. The video shows the officer explaining that the intern’s use of “anal” and “penis” offended students, before issuing a citation for disorderly conduct. “After a lawyer representing Joshua called the chief of police, the chief called Joshua and apologized. The citation was withdrawn.” Brother Jed told TheDC.

Ari Cohn, a lawyer with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) told TheDC that he found the video “deeply disturbing.” “Speech that simply offends others is protected by the First Amendment, and contrary to the officer’s statements, it is not the job of police to ‘do something’ about it. Issuing a disorderly conduct citation based on the content of speech violates decades of clear Supreme Court precedent,” Cohn said.

“Even worse is that while Brother Jed is not a campus community member, and was not even on campus property, the officer justified his decision with the fact that students on campus across the way were offended. The implications for campus expression are dire,” Cohn went on to say. “If offending someone on campus is now grounds for criminal citations, students wishing to express themselves will much more likely censor themselves, or simply refrain from speaking at all. Such a result is unacceptable, legally and morally, at a state university bound by the First Amendment.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "UTPD voids disorderly conduct citation after review" by Wynne Davis, The Daily Texan 2/12/16

After reviewing a citation written to an evangelical preacher for disorderly conduct, the University of Texas Police Department voided the citation because it did not meet the requirements of the law.

“Our review further showed that the officers in training responded to a call for service in good faith and with respect for all parties involved, including the person(s) wishing to file charges as well those being accused,” UTPD Chief David Carter said in a statement.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives all people the right to freedom of speech. Even hurtful and hateful speech is covered under the amendment, and police officers must defend everyone’s constitutional rights, Carter said.

Carter said if an individual was threatening a student with their speech, the police could and would take action against that person.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

. . . previously, last year:

From "Presence of confrontational protesters sparks student response" by Madison Dudley, Nicole Decriscio, The Depauw 9/24/15

“I’m not protesting; I’m preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Kirsten Borchert, 20, from Lafayette, Indiana.

Borchert was at DePauw University “preaching” with The Campus Ministry USA, based out of Terre Haute. The confrontational evangelical Christian group travels from campus to campus “Preaching specifically about sin and hell, and how sin leads to hell,” she said.

“I don’t want you [students] to burn forever and ever and ever in the lake of fire,” said Joshua Borchert, 22, who was fully adorned in his Eagle Scout uniform.

[In response,] Students mobilized quickly.

“I saw that post on Facebook, and I saw that there were protesters here saying homophobic things,” said sophomore Marissa Higgs. “When I heard about it I was like, 'okay, I've got to go.' So I grabbed my five foot rainbow flag off my bed and ran here.”

President Brian Casey was on the scene almost immediately after the situation began to heat up. As the afternoon continued, many at the protest felt a sense of pride and community with their fellow classmates.

“I don’t know why the school can’t kick them out,” junior Hector Rivera said, “It’s a private institution, so at least I’m curious to know more like the policies and politics behind all this.”

“We’re presenting no danger,” said Brother Jed Smock, the man in charge of The Campus Ministry USA.

. . . after The Campus Ministry USA was escorted off of DePauw’s grounds, Casey sent an email to students, faculty and staff announcing an open forum to be held at 4 p.m. in Ubben Quadrangle to address the protests.

Casey, DePauw Student Body President Craig Carter, City of Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray and Vice President of Student Life Christopher Wells gave short speeches to the crowd.

“Today we got invaded by people who came here, by people who came here who tried to shake our cores, who tried to shake our values,” Carter said, “I’ve never been more proud to be a Tiger.”

Students called for justice, and proclaimed that they were unsafe on campus and that the university was not doing enough to protect them.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ask them why you deserve Hell" by Olivia Barfield, The Hawkeye (University of Louisiana at Monroe) 2/1/16

Kirsten [Borchert] threw her hands in the air, carrying a Bible up with them, as she exclaimed her message to the crowd gathered outside of the Student Union Building.

The students, who stood at a distance not long ago no longer allowed Kirsten her personal space. They surrounded her with questions and comments, yelling back as she shouted to a crowd that no longer cared what she had to say. They were visibly aggravated.

“We’re using [Kirsten] because she’s usually the calmer one,” Joshua [Borchert] said, dressed in his Eagle Scout uniform. “I tend to rile them up more. They wouldn’t want me out there right now.”

Students screamed obscenities as Kirsten preached against getting drunk.

Joshua didn’t mind the crowd screaming at his sister. He said he is used to it.

“We go through different stages and cycles. She does that to get their attention, and once she gets their attention then she can continue to calm them,” Joshua said. He then explained the five-stage technique used by the group to humble the students into a calm crowd that can then receive their message.

Joshua and Kirsten have preached at around 30 universities in about 20 different states, Joshua said.

“Our message is repent, and be free from sin. Because if these people don’t repent, then they’re headed for hell,” Kirsten had explained.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Bibles Removed, Deviant Sex Housing Added at Illinois University

And read Most Terrorists are White Christians, Colleges Say

In addition, read Catholic School Must Hire Homosexuals, Court Rules

Atheists Force 9/11 Sign Down, Kansas Locals Rebel

Since the local post office yielded to the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) last month by removing a "God Bless America" banner placed by postal workers 15 years ago, residents of Pittsburg, Kansas have displayed thousands of such signs throughout town.

“This just infuriates me.  [The removal of the banner] tore my heart out."
-- Ruth Wegner (husband Richard was 20-year postal worker)

“I don’t see what it’s hurting. But I guess we need to be politically correct. It’s just sad.”
-- Mike Lewark, retired postal worker and Vietnam War veteran

“I’ll miss it. It showed the post office was part of America, and God got us to where we’re at. We were proud of it.”
-- Jim Scott, 32-year retired postal worker and former U.S. Marine

For background, read After City Bans 'God Signs' Florida Residents Display MORE

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

ACLU Stops Godless Patriotism in New Jersey School

Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists

Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings

Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer

Atheists Threaten Arkansas School so Citizens Pray Publicly

Ohio School Board Wants Prayer, Ignoring Atheists

Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists



-- From "Post office banner removal sparks reaction in Pittsburg" by The Associated Press 2/1/16

The Pittsburg post office took the banner down Wednesday after hearing complaints about it from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation. The organization said hanging the banner at the post office violated the principle of separation of church and state.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Post Office [Twana Barber] said the postal service removed the banner because postal policy prohibits the placement of notices on postal property unless they’re official government notices.

The Pittsburg Morning Sun reports that a similar banner appeared at a couple of local businesses by Thursday, and a local sign company says requests for more signs have been pouring in.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pittsburg residents unhappy with removal of 'God Bless America' banner" by Andra Bryan Stefanoni and Sarah Okeson, Joplin Missouri Globe 1/27/16

Postal workers [about 60] paid for the 12-foot-long vinyl banner after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that took down the Twin Towers and killed 2,996 people in New York, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.

Ed Hinde watched as employees took out the eight screws holding the red, white and blue banner to the southeast corner of the post office at Seventh and Locust streets. They rolled up the banner because it was brittle after more than a decade outside.

“After the Sept. 11 attacks, a group of employees came to me and said, ‘Let’s do something’,” recalled Hinde, who served as postmaster from 1987 to 2003. “The employees paid for half of it, and I paid for half of it.”

About a dozen people, including retired letter carriers, members of the American Legion and other Pittsburg residents, watched in silence.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Blessings — More than 1,000 'God Bless America' signs given away as backlash grows" by Michael Stavola, Pittsburg Morning Sun 2/1/16

. . . Jake's Fireworks responded by printing 1,200 "God Bless America" yard signs and 300 similar banners. The company began handing out signs at 11 a.m. and by 11:45 a.m., the signs were gone.

Cars stretched over two blocks. Drivers were eventually met with rows of American flags and a digital sign saying "God Bless America" as they pulled into the company’s driveway at east industrial park, where Marietta and other employees directed traffic and greeted the drivers.

The company had a crew work overnight printing signs, [retail sales director Jason Marietta] said. Marietta knew the demand would be high after a Facebook post was shared 1,500 times. He just didn’t imagine it would be this big.

It took roughly 45 minutes for community members to clear out 1,500 signs, but employees continued to take down contact information to distribute additional signs and banners as they are printed.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Banner Backlash — 'God Bless America' banners proliferate following removal of original from post office" by Sarah Gooding, Pittsburg Morning Sun 1/28/16

Thursday morning, a very similar banner appeared on the fence next to local business Jayhawk Signs and Graphics, another at CDL Electric Company and social media marketing by Jake’s Fireworks promised more to come.

“We hung the banner in support of our troops and to commemorate the 9/11 attacks on America,” said Shea McLaughlin, with CDL Electric. “That banner has nothing to do with religious values or political correctness. It has everything to do with freedom of speech and the foundation that this country was built on.”

McLaughlin said that foundation is the God-given right to be free, along with free speech.

“Sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right,” McLaughlin continued. “In the day and age of political correctness someone has to be a leader and stand up for what they believe in.”

. . . Area residents also showed up at the post office with sandwich boards and flags, earning cheers of support from passers-by.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read 'God Bless Planned Parenthood,' Says President Obama

And read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Says Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Fed. Judge Censors Pro-life Ads on Indiana Buses

Women's Health Link is appealing a federal district court decision that allows the Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corp. to deny the women's health organization from advertising on Citilink public buses because the ads "express or advocate opinions or positions upon political, religious, or moral issues."

"Women's Health Link hasn't shown that Citilink's advertising policy was anything other than reasonable and viewpoint neutral."
-- Judge Robert L. Miller Jr.

For background, read how governments and schools discriminate against pro-lifers, but also read how courts have ruled against such discrimination.

And for ads on buses in Des Moines, Iowa: It's OK to Denigrate God, but NOT OK to Advocate God

And read Jesus Advertisement Censored by Texas School, Says Lawsuit

-- From "Women's Health Link appeals Citilink ad decision" By Sheryl Krieg, The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, IN) 2/5/16

Women's Health Link filed the lawsuit in September 2014, alleging Citilink violated its constitutional rights, specifically the First and 14th amendments, by refusing to display an advertisement/public service announcement for its free referral service for women seeking "life-affirming health care related services."

[Judge] Miller also said, "Citilink has a detailed advertising policy limiting advertising in its buses to commercial advertisements and public service announcements that comply with the restrictions set out in section 1 of that policy and don't 'express or advocate opinions or positions upon political, religious, or moral issues,' and so far as this record shows, Citilink has consistently enforced that policy."

Kevin Theriot, Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel, said, "City officials can't run ads from non-profit groups, such as the United Way, and then single out Women's Health Link's nearly identical ad for censorship. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech for all people, regardless of their political or religious views. Because government has a responsibility to ensure equal access to community advertising, we have filed this appeal and hope the 7th Circuit [Court of Appeals in Chicago] will reverse District Court's decision."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pregnancy Center Fights Back After City Censors Ad for Helping Women Find Abortion Alternatives" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/5/16

The case began in 2013 when Women’s Health Link asked to place advertising cards in the interior of the city public transportation company Citilink’s buses, LifeNews previously reported. Citilink denied the request twice, saying that Women’s Health Link is associated with Allen County Right to Life, a pro-life organization, and that the Women’s Health Link website discusses “controversial issues.”

Citilink reportedly has permitted many non-profit and government organizations to place public service announcements with various messages in the interior of their buses, including the state of Indiana, Parkview Health and the United Way.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Women's health group appeals decision in Citilink case" Rebecca S. Green, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette 2/4/16

According to court documents, the 11-by-17-inch ad would cost $524 for three months and says "You are not alone" and "Free resources for women seeking health care" on either side of the smiling face of a young woman, with the organization's website and telephone number on a banner below.

Citilink officials rejected the proposed ad on two occasions, saying their attorneys believed that the organization's website dealt with "controversial issues," according to court documents.

The woman who submitted the advertisement on behalf of Women's Health Link [Beck Rogness] was on the organization's board of directors and also was communications manager for Allen County Right to Life, according to court documents.

Women's Health Link and Allen County Right to Life share email addresses and a physical address.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "1 simple statement gets health ad banned" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 2/7/16

The Women’s Health Link site promotes itself as a referral resource “for women seeking physical, emotional, spiritual or mental health care.”

. . . [Citilink’s assistant manager, Betsy] Kachmar notified Rogness that the ad failed to meet the “commercial requirement” of the agency.

So the request was resubmitted under the agency’s provision for “public service announcements by government entities, academic institutions, or nonprofit organizations.”

[However, under that provision, the] agency contended the women’s health care ad was not neutral.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Office Depot Refuses Pro-life Customer in Illinois

Oregon Woman Fired for Being Pro-life Leader

Maine Sues Pastor: Preaching Too Loud on Abortion

California Law Forces Abortion Business on Pro-lifers

NASA Bans Jesus, Threatening Employees' Freedom

Lawyers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) told agency Christian employees to terminate use of the name 'Jesus' when announcing their scheduled lunch break gatherings, as they've been doing since the turn of the century.  Lawyers representing the employees are threatening a lawsuit for discrimination and violations of First Amendment rights of citizens.

“We are shocked that NASA would censor the name of Jesus from our Praise and Worship Club’s announcement.”
-- Sophia Smith, NASA employee

For background, read how President Obama's NASA Ignored God's Creation and also read how NASA Concealed the First Communion on the Moon



-- From "NASA accused of 'censoring' its Christian employees" by Tim Devaney, The Hill 2/8/16

The Liberty Institute, which is representing the Christian employees, threatened Monday to sue NASA over what it claims is religious discrimination. At issue is whether a praise and worship club should be allowed to use the name “Jesus” in NASA’s employee newsletter.

NASA told the Christian employees last year the meeting announcement they posted in the newsletter violated the government’s responsibility to remain neutral on religious matters, according to the Institute. The agency did not tell the Christian employees to stop meeting during lunchtime, but did order the club to refrain from using the name “Jesus” in their emails.

“It is illegal for the government to censor the name of Jesus from emails authored by employees,” Jeremy Dys, senior counsel for Liberty Institute, said in a statement. “Preventing a religious club’s announcement just because it contains the name ‘Jesus’ is blatant religious discrimination. We call on NASA to end their censorship and apologize.”

The praise and worship club has been meeting at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston since 2001. They discuss their faith and sing worship songs during their lunch break.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Religious Group Threatens To Sue NASA For Censoring Jesus" by Jonah Bennett, Reporter, Daily Caller 2/8/16

These employees had formed a private group within the agency called the JSC Praise and Worship Club, an entity separate from the agency. As part of the group, employees meet together during lunch to pray, and no one is prevented from taking part in the group’s activities.

In an announcement email, one of the employees had used the word “Jesus.” A few days after the email went out, NASA lawyers clamped down and said the use of the word was absolutely unacceptable and would not accept the group’s offer to issue any kind of disclaimer to downplay its use.

The Liberty Institute wants NASA to issue a response by March 10 reconsidering its original position. If not, the Liberty Institute is ready to sue the agency.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Group claims NASA is attempting to censor word 'Jesus' in company newsletter" by Anoushah Rasta, Reporter, KPRC-TV2 (Houston, TX) 2/8/16

"We want NASA to stop censoring us using the word "Jesus" in our announcement," said Sophia Smith, a member of the "Nasa JSC Praise and Worship Club."

Last May, club organizers said they sent in an announcement to be posted about their meeting to the Johnson Space Center's online email newsletter.

The announcement read "Jesus is our life."

"It's part of our belief and we are called to use the name of Jesus when we pray," said Smith.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "NASA Illegally Censors ‘Jesus’ from Employee Emails, Liberty Institute Issues Demand Letter" posted at Liberty Institute

Like any other employee group at the JSC, the Praise and Worship Club routinely submits announcements about its meetings to the JSC Today, NASA’s daily email newsletter to everyone who works at the JSC. In May 2015, the club organizers submitted the following announcement:

Join with the praise and worship band "Allied with the Lord" for a refreshing set of spring praise and worship songs on Thursday, June 4, from 11:15 a.m. to noon in Building 57, Room 106. (The theme for this session will be "Jesus is our life!") Prayer partners will be available for anyone who has need. All JSC civil servants and contractors are welcome.

Generic religious references and secular speech, like announcements for soccer camps, Latin Dance classes—or even Praise and Worship Club announcements without the name “Jesus”—are still permitted in JSC Today.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "NASA blasts off on First Amendment" posted at Amarillo Globe-News 2/8/16

How in the world do these words [in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution] — “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...” justify NASA ordering a praise and worship club to stop using “Jesus” in a NASA-related newsletter?

Those who think the First Amendment and/or the “separation of church and state” (a phrase not in the U.S. Constitution, if that matters) supports the removal of each and every religious reference from the public domain (although it seems Christianity is usually the targeted religion) are either ignorant of the U.S. Constitution or have an agenda.

It is pure and simple. The First Amendment is meant to keep the federal government from mandating a religion — the kind of persecution and oppression that led many to risk their lives for freedom.

Instead, many are of the mistaken belief that the First Amendment is meant to remove all public displays of religion. And NASA has provided yet another example.

To read the entire editorial above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

National Park Fires Pastor for Public Baptizing in California

Oregon Woman Fired for Being Pro-life Leader

Atlanta Fires Fire Chief for 'Anti-gay' Bible Study

California University Fires Scientist for Being Christian

Media Help Homosexuals Shut Down Indiana Christian Pizza Restaurant

Florida Student Failed for Being Christian, Lawyer Says

Christians Can Forget Having Any Career at NASA

Feminists vs. Super Bowl Ad 'Humanizing Fetuses'

The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) lambasted a Doritos commercial that aired during the 50th Super Bowl yesterday because an unborn child was depicted in an animated ultrasound image as being aware of his/her surroundings, including of the father with his Doritos snack chips.  The recognition of a fetus as a functioning human being (personhood) is the antithesis of abortion advocacy.

For background, read how Ultrasound of Baby Jesus Riles Abortionists During Christmas

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Pro-life Super Bowl Commercials Censored

Christian Super Bowl Commercials Censored by FOX

Atheists' Super Bowl Ad Attacks Christians, Prayer

Anti-Christian, Pro-abortion Feminists Storm Super Bowl

Also read Physicians Force New York Times to Admit 22-week Fetus is a Baby!



-- From "NARAL goes on angry Super Bowl tweetstorm" by Kristen East, Politico 2/7/16

NARAL Pro-Choice America, a leading advocacy group on the issue of abortion, started firing a string of tweets about ads running during Super Bowl 50 on Sunday night, criticizing several in particular as "transphobic" or "sexist."

The group had announced it would be live-tweeting the event to call out "sexist" advertisers and their creations. . . .

Snack companies couldn't catch a break, apparently. NARAL called out a Snickers commercial for being "transphobic" and a Doritos ad for "humanizing fetuses" . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Abortion rights group is mad at Doritos Super Bowl ad" by Jennifer Brett, Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2/8/16

In the commercial, a guy munching away on a bag of Doritos during his wife’s ultrasound attracts the attention of their unborn child, who makes a hasty exit, presumably to share Dad’s snack.

NARAL also complains that the ad reinforces “sexist tropes of dads as clueless and moms as uptight.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Super Bowl Ads Are a Hit for Mountain Dew, Miss for Doritos" by Gerry Smith, Bloomberg Business 2/7/16

Don’t mess with babies. Unless they are attached to puppies and monkeys.

That is one of the marketing lessons to come out of Super Bowl 50 . . .

For better or worse, Pepsi’s Doritos brand certainly knows how to create some buzz. In one of its Super Bowl spots, a woman is getting an ultrasound while her partner stands by, eating Doritos. She gets upset at his lack of decorum and throws a chip across the room. Her unborn fetus goes after it, and everyone screams. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Abortion group attacks Super Bowl ad showing ultrasound" by Kelly Sloan, Trunews 2/8/16

One of the biggest abortion groups in the U.S. has attacked one of Sunday’s Super Bowl ads for being “anti-choice”, but the commercial was about Doritos.

The National Abortion Rights Action League also accused Snickers of being “transphobic” for an ad which depicts a grumpy man wearing the white dress made famous by Marilyn Monroe. Once he ate the candy bar, he turned into the real Monroe, because he wasn’t hungry any more, according to Breitbart.

The group also blasted a Hyundai ad on Twitter, calling it “sexist” and “misogynistic”, when an advertisement aired about a dad following his teenage daughter on a date. They claimed his concern for his child was taking away her autonomy and “stalking her”, as The Daily Caller reported.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read how broadcast media are biased against Christian athletes.

Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town

The non-Muslim residents of Hamtramck, Michigan complained so much about the "noise" coming from the Islamic center loudspeakers (the Muslim call to prayer) that the Muslim residents organized an effort to gain a majority on the city council.  It appears the "noise" will remain.

“We were lied to.  We were told it would never be turned into a mosque.”
-- Carol Marsh, resident

“It’s only a matter of time before we’ll see a Muslim mayor.”
-- Dawud Walid, Executive Director, Michigan Chapter, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Maine Sues Pastor for Preaching Too Loud Near Abortion Clinic

Pastor's Wife Fined for Praying Too Loud on North Dakota Street

Christians Arrested for Praying Too Loud Near Chicago Abortion Clinic

Indiana Town Denounces Loud, Praying Christians

Virginia Police Halt Bible 'Noise,' Preacher Sues City & Wins

Missouri Police Steal Preacher's Amplifier to Shut Him Up

Jesus Talk Outlawed in New Orleans, Arrests Made

-- From "Residents complain that ‘call to prayer’ is too loud" by Charles Sercombe, Hamtramck Review (fall 2015)

[At the] city council meeting, several residents of the Hamtramck Senior Plaza apartments on Holbrook complained about the volume level of the call to prayer coming from the Ideal Islamic Center, located across from the apartment complex.

[Resident Jeanette Powell] said the call or prayer was broadcast at 6 a.m. and found the volume “overbearing.”

The center on Holbrook was not the only mosque accused of broadcasting the call too loudly.

Susan Dunn, who is a candidate for city council, said the new mosque on St. Aubin St., the Abu-Bakr Al-Siddique Islamic Center, also broadcasts the call loudly. Dunn lives on Hewitt St., which is a block away from the center.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Muslims look to make a difference in Hamtramck" by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press 1/25/16

The week before Election Day in Hamtramck, hundreds of Muslims packed the City Council chambers.

They were outraged over a complaint made by council candidate Susan Dunn over the Islamic call to prayer that is broadcast outdoors from mosques, which she said were too loud.

The following week, three Muslim candidates out of six were the top vote-getters, winning council seats. After their inauguration this month, Hamtramck became what is believed to be the first city in the U.S. with a Muslim-majority City Council.  Four of its six council members are Muslim, three of them immigrants.

The story of how that happened offers insight into the political ambitions of the city's Muslim community in a time of intense debate about Islam in the West. And it shows how diverse groups — from Polish Catholics to Bangladeshi Muslims to African-American Protestants — can get along, city leaders say.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "In the first majority-Muslim U.S. city, residents tense about its future" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post 11/21/15

[Local businesswoman Karen] Majewski, whose family emigrated from Poland in the early 20th century, admitted to a few concerns of her own. Business owners within 500 feet of one of Hamtramck’s four mosques can’t obtain a liquor license, she complained, a notable development in a place that flouted Prohibition-era laws by openly operating bars. The restrictions could thwart efforts to create an entertainment hub downtown, said the pro-commerce mayor.

And while Majewski advocated to allow mosques to issue calls to prayer, she understands why some longtime residents are struggling to adjust to the sound that echos through the city’s streets five times each day.

While the city’s Polish Catholic population has shrunk from 90 percent in 1970 to about 11 percent today, in part as the old residents have moved to more prosperous suburbs, Polish American culture still permeates the town.

Hamtramck’s exceedingly low home prices and relatively low crime rate have proved especially attractive to new immigrants, whose presence is visible everywhere. Most of the women strolling Joseph Campau Avenue wear hijabs, or headscarves, and niqabs, veils that leave only the area around the eyes open. Many of the markets advertise their wares in Arabic or Bengali, and some display signs telling customers that owners will return shortly — gone to pray, much in the same way Polish businesses once signaled that employees had gone to Mass.

Many longtime residents point to 2004 as the year they suspected that the town’s culture had shifted irrevocably. It was then that the city council gave permission to al-Islah Islamic Center to broadcast its call to prayer from speakers atop its roof.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "This U.S. city has become the first to elect a Muslim-majority city council" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post 11/5/15

. . . The city council’s approval of an ordinance to allow mosques to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer onto public streets made it one of the few cities in the United States to approve the practice, according to a 2004 story in the Detroit News. “This is about uniting our community,” Shabad Ahmed, the first and only Muslim member of the Hamtramck City Council, told the newspaper.

Fast forward to 2015, when the city of some 22,000 people physically surrounded by but politically separate from Detroit has elected a Muslim-majority city council, believed to be the first in the nation. On Tuesday, the city elected three new city council members, making the council four of six members of Muslim faith.

Dearborn, which is part of the Detroit metro area, attracts most of the national attention over its Arab population, but its Muslim population is not as concentrated as Hamtramck.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Christmas Holiday OUT, Lunar New Year IN: Schools

Political correctness is the objective as public schools debate calendars, but from one district to the next, their PC goal seems elusive.

"I have come to the difficult decision to discontinue the celebration of the dominant holidays until we can come to a better understanding of how the dominant view will suppress someone else's view."
-- Principal Scott Masini, Bruce Vento Elementary School in St. Paul, Minnesota

For background, read 'Allahu Akbar' Taught in Minnesota School for Christmas

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Jewish Mom Opposes School's Santa Claus Christmas

Angry Muslims Demand School Holiday for Ramadan in New Jersey

D.C. Muslims Force Christmas Off Maryland School Calendar

Muslims Force Maryland Schools Closed Routinely

New Jersey Atheist Official Has Hissy Fit over Christmas Tree

Atheists Help Liberal Schools in Oregon Ban Christmas Choirs

Also read Texas School Supt. Tells Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

-- From "Minnesota school bans holiday celebrations for Valentine's Day, Christmas, more" by The Associated Press 2/3/16

Bruce Vento Elementary in St. Paul is joining other public schools in opting out of holiday celebrations as school officials strive to be more culturally sensitive and inclusive. The school has a predominantly Asian and black student body, and English is a second language for more than half of its pupils, who come from a range of faith backgrounds.

In a letter to parents last week, Principal Scott Masini said his rationale was to avoid "encroaching on the educational opportunities of others and threatening a culture of tolerance and respect for all." He acknowledged it would be an unpopular decision for some.

The letter drew both criticism and support as it started circulating on social media, with some people praising the policy for its sensitivity to diverse cultures and others decrying it as political correctness. The Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis ran an editorial calling the decision misguided and urged Masini to reconsider.

As word spread, the school district issued a statement saying its longstanding policy "discourages programs and festivities that celebrate observances unless they are required by law." That means government holidays celebrating the birthdays of President George Washington, President Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., along with Veterans Day, are still OK.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "[New York] City schools to close Monday for Lunar New Year" by Diane C. Lore, Staten Island Advance 2/5/16

Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced the addition of the new holiday to the school calendar in June.

The city school system will become only the second major urban school district in the nation, after San Francisco, to close on [the Asian] Lunar New Year.

When de Blasio announced in early March last year that the Mulsim holy days Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr would appear on this year's school calendar, Lunar New Year advocates began to push to have their holiday added.

The Department of Education was able to add the Lunar New Year holiday to the school calendar by consolidating two half-days previously designated for staff administrative work, of which neither could count toward the 180-day minimum, into one full day. This allowed room for the addition of the Lunar New Year without any loss in state aid-able days.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "New York City Schools to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Day Off for First Time" by Chris Fuchs, NBC News 2/1/16

. . . the city's 12 congressional members sent a letter to de Blasio dated March 9, saying they were happy Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr would become public school holidays, but were "puzzled and concerned" about why Lunar New Year was left out. Four days later, city and state elected officials held a rally outside City Hall. On April 1, legislation was introduced in Albany to amend New York's education law to recognize Lunar New Year as a public school holiday for any city with one-million people — namely New York City.

Former Queens state Assemblyman Jimmy Meng, a Democrat, was the first to propose such a bill in 2005, but it failed to gain a sponsor in the state Senate. Meng's daughter Grace, a former state assemblywoman who is now a Democrat congresswoman from Queens, also introduced legislation in early 2009 with support from state Sen. Daniel Squadron, a Democrat whose district includes Chinatown.

After several months went by without any news, more than 40 elected officials, advocacy groups, and community leaders sent an open letter to de Blasio in June, saying his administration did not keep a promise to meet before the end of May for discussions. Around the same time, the state Senate unanimously approved a bill making Lunar New Year a public school holiday.

Following mounting pressure, the mayor, who controls the city's school system with state approval, announced on June 22 through Twitter that Lunar New Year would be added to the 2015-2016 calendar. The message was published in English, Chinese, and Korean.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Valentine's Day ban touches off wider debate on school celebrations" by Beena Raghavendran and Zoe Peterson, Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/2/16

Across the metro area and the country, schools are juggling sensitivity with holiday fun as student bodies become increasingly diverse. Several schools have turned to seasonal celebrations to include all students, and some have scaled back in-class celebrations to save teaching time.

[St. Paul's] Vento school is echoing that rationale in its decision to stop celebrating major holidays, to avoid “encroaching on the educational opportunities of others and threatening a culture of tolerance and respect for all,” Masini said in the letter addressed to families. “My personal feeling is we need to find a way to honor and engage in holidays that are inclusive of our student population.”

Masini was cheered and jeered by people online. Some said fun was being sucked out of schools. He responded in a comment released by the school district Thursday. “I’m struggling with this and I don’t know what the right answer is,” he said. “But, what I do know is celebrating some holidays and not others is not inclusive of all of the students we serve.

Wayzata Public Schools no longer observes specific holidays, opting instead for seasonal celebrations, said spokeswoman Amy Parnell. Valentine’s Day is the only exception — certain schools still decide to recognize the holiday.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "St. Paul school might abandon celebration of 4 holidays" by Josh Verges, St. Paul Pioneer Press 2/1/16

The policy reads, in part:  “Schools shall discourage programs and festivities arranged to celebrate holidays and other special days, and shall strive to eliminate them, except where such observances are required by law.”

Exceptions to the policy are Veterans Day and the birthdays of Martin Luther King, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. When school is held on those days, state law says “at least one hour of the school program must be devoted to a patriotic observance of the day.”

[St. Paul Public Schools spokeswoman Toya] Stewart Downey said Superintendent Valeria Silva supports the district’s policy on holiday observances. But the district will gather input from schools in case the school board wants to change the policy.

[Principal] Masini said the school no longer would celebrate Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Majority in U.S. Want Christmas Celebrated WITHIN Schools: Poll