# Another Example of Atheists Destroying Christian's Rights **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 30, 2012, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555 "2012-05-30T16:52:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/301 "2012-05-31T16:46:56Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Look, Johnny-come-lately, I put that in giant text because **GEEPERS** has been asked that question 30 times and ignored it every time. > > And no. Evolution and atheist have nothing to do with one another. Again, I am flooded with replies, and from the mod warnings, I must be more careful in my phraseology so there is no way I’m going to be able to answer everyone. That’s not my problem. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/302 "2012-05-31T16:47:28Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > I have no problem following the rules Your posting history doesn’t bear you out here because you’ve frequently called people liars and made unnecessary personal comments about them, and that’s not allowed in this forum. You can decide how you post and when; the moderators will decide what is against the rules. If you think someone else is breaking the rules, report the post with the Report feature. If you are talking about **Eve** ’s post, it is not a flame at all. It’s a joke about a spelling error. > [@GEEPERS](#): > > Again, I am flooded with replies A lot of those replies are people asking you similar questions, though, so you could easily address several of them at once. I thought you did answer the question **Really Not All That Bright** is asking, but if not, please do it now. [I think I quoted the post where you did.] ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/303 "2012-05-31T16:49:43Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Again, I am flooded with replies, and from the mod warnings, I must be more careful in my phraseology so there is no way I’m going to be able to answer everyone. That’s not my problem. You don’t have to give 30 individual answers to that question-just answer it _once_, and we’ll share it. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/304 "2012-05-31T16:53:13Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > You don’t have to give 30 individual answers to that question-just answer it _once_, and we’ll share it. I think he did answer it here: > [@GEEPERS](#): > > It’s an attack on belief in a diety (which over 90% of Americans STILL believe in) and basic moral principles that students should abide by. Christianity is a belief in a diety, and therefore is part of the attack. ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/305 "2012-05-31T16:56:50Z")
Sorry, didn’t see Marley’s mod note on this topic. Evolution for some, tiny American flags for others. ---
**Author:** ![Eutychus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/306 "2012-05-31T16:57:27Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally Posted by GEEPERS > It’s an attack on belief in a diety (which over 90% of Americans STILL believe in) and basic moral principles that students should abide by. Christianity is a belief in a diety, and therefore is part of the attack. And once again, read the decision about the case and learn what ACTUALLY happened. This was never an attack on the moral principles. The school committee was given the choice to keep the moral principles without the religious context and they refused. in fact, one of the reasons given why the judge rejected their arguments was because they purposefully couched their arguments in a religious context. Based on the constitution and supreme court precedence, the judge really had no choice but to decide that the banner had to come down. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/307 "2012-05-31T17:00:20Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Again, I am flooded with replies, and from the mod warnings, I must be more careful in my phraseology so there is no way I’m going to be able to answer everyone. That’s not my problem. Fair enough. Now, let’s try this one from page 1: > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Tell me something: if the value of the banner is its “moral message”, what’s wrong with: > > > [@](#): > > > > As students of Cranston High School, we will strive to do our best. > > To grow mentally and morally as well as physically. > > To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers. > > To be honest with ourselves as well as with others. > > To be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win. > > To learn the value of true friendship. > > To conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West. > > The moral message is the same, yes? Whatever benefit the original banner might have offered shouldn’t be affected by the removal of references to religion, yes? ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/308 "2012-05-31T17:01:43Z")
> [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](#): > > I disagree. You aren’t promoting atheism when you are teaching evolution in school, but you are going to offend a whole lot of atheists if you ban the teaching of evolution . > > Tell me you wouldn’t be offended if such was the case. I wouldn’t be offended as an atheist - I would be offended as a critical thinker, wanting accuracy and lack of bias in education. God is the ‘end of the discussion’ - "god did it, don’t ask questions’ - kills educational and discovery opportunities. (posted before seeing mod note - apologies) ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/309 "2012-05-31T18:35:24Z")
> [@Eve](#): > > I finally accepted a diety two years ago–so far I have lost 29 poundsies! Wow, I bet you’re the athiest girl around! ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/310 "2012-05-31T18:44:39Z")
> [@CurtC](#): > > Wow, I bet you’re the athiest girl around! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/311 "2012-05-31T18:46:55Z")
Pffft, girl, guy or (satanic) feline, I’m obviously the athiest of all. Why, last year, I oppressed 7 True Christians, mocked, scoffed, blasphemed and used foul language. Also I totally hate God more than you, and I’ve earned enough pretending-I-don’t-believe-in-God points that I can afford a set of patio furniture. Beat that, punks. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/312 "2012-05-31T19:13:28Z")
> [@FinnAgain](#): > > Pffft, girl, guy or (satanic) feline, I’m obviously the athiest of all. > Why, last year, I oppressed 7 True Christians, mocked, scoffed, blasphemed and used foul language. Also I totally hate God more than you, and I’ve earned enough pretending-I-don’t-believe-in-God points that I can afford a set of patio furniture. > > Beat that, punks. Told God to his face that he doesn’t exist, and was so convincing that _He_ is starting to doubt. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/313 "2012-05-31T19:15:20Z")
I understand that schools reserve the right to deny students the ability to wear clothing that could possibly upset school activities and or other students. As a hypothetical, would the school run afoul of the first amendment if the students wore t-shirts emblazoned with the original sentiments of the banner openly? It would appear at first glance it would be legal, as the school would not be endorsing the t-shirt’s sentiments, but the students wearing them would be. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/314 "2012-05-31T19:17:25Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Told God to his face that he doesn’t exist, and was so convincing that _He_ is starting to doubt. Shot a god in Reno, just to watch him die. ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/315 "2012-05-31T19:19:46Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > It would appear at first glance it would be legal, as the school would not be endorsing the t-shirt’s sentiments, but the students wearing them would be. Most likely, it’d be legal. If there was serious disruption that occurred as theists and atheists were fighting, the school might institute a no-messages-on-tshirts policy or, simpler, just a dress code. IIRC a few policies about acceptable clothing have drawn legal challenges for or against, but a school dress code should be on fairly safe ground. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/316 "2012-05-31T19:20:03Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > As a hypothetical, would the school run afoul of the first amendment if the students wore t-shirts emblazoned with the original sentiments of the banner openly? No. Not if it’s something the students do on their own. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/317 "2012-05-31T19:26:48Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > No. Not if it’s something the students do on their own. And students doing it on their own does not preclude support from their church group or parents, but definitely rules out the school board providing the shirts. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/318 "2012-05-31T19:29:30Z")
Would it preclude teachers and admins hinting strongly about the possibility to the students? ---
**Author:** ![Eutychus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/319 "2012-05-31T19:29:31Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > I understand that schools reserve the right to deny students the ability to wear clothing that could possibly upset school activities and or other students. As a hypothetical, would the school run afoul of the first amendment if the students wore t-shirts emblazoned with the original sentiments of the banner openly? > > It would appear at first glance it would be legal, as the school would not be endorsing the t-shirt’s sentiments, but the students wearing them would be. No, and in fact, that’s exactly what some students did! ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/320 "2012-05-31T19:36:13Z")
Wouldn’t [Tinker](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinker_v._Des_Moines_Independent_Community_School_District) apply here? The reason I ask is because every time this subject comes up, nobody ever mentions it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555.md?page=17)