Is there anything wrong with handing out Bibles to people? A Kansas public elementary school was forced to stop giving out free Bibles after several parents complained that the act violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
The school superintendent issued a statement on Tuesday, according to the Kansas City Star. "Our district respects all religious beliefs and the constitutional rights of every student," said Herington school Superintendent Ron Wilson. "We will no longer allow distribution of religious materials."
It was the legal arm of the American Humanist Association that demanded the Gideons, an evangelical Christian organization, stop handing out free Bibles at Herrington Elementary School. The Gideons are known for distributing free Bibles in hotel rooms and schools around the world.
After several parents voiced their complaints about their Bible distribution, the Appignani Center sent a letter to the school district, listing the court cases limiting religion in public schools. The group also threatened litigation if the Bible distribution in Herington was not put to a stop.
The Gideons distributed the Bibles over two weeks ago, just before the students went on their winter break. They set up a table in a hallway at the school and created a sign inviting fifth graders to get a free Bible. "In no way were we trying to impose anything on anyone," Wilson said.
But Jeff Jackson, a professor of constitutional law at Washburn University in Topeka, begs to differ. The distribution of religious materials in elementary schools are not allowed because courts have ruled that "elementary students are especially open to coercion," he said. "Because of their age, they're particularly impressionable."
Another group that is consistently opposing Bible distribution in schools is the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FRFF). The atheist group revealed on its website that it receives "countless complaints" every year from parents about the Gideons and other similar groups.
"The Gideons, in particular, focus their efforts on proselytizing school children through bible distribution. It is unfortunate that this group, among other evangelizing groups, view schools as ripe territory for recruitment. These organizations take advantage of truancy laws and the captive audience of school children to proselytize young students," they said.
