School Related - Would You Do Anything?

[Christine]

My son is in 8th grade at a Catholic school. We are not Catholic. He has been attending since 4th grade. He has 8 months left until he is done with this place.

My son decided many months ago that he was "for" Obama. This mainly occurred when he went to visit his grandparents over the summer. They are very "vocal" Republicans and they really railed on him when he said he "kind of liked Obama." They turned him off so bad that they kind of threw him definitely to the Obama camp. Other than that, he hasn't said much.

So, of course, as the election has heated up, the schools have been discussing it. Two weeks ago they had a presidential debate in the classroom and only 6 kids in his class went on the Obama side. All the other kids yelled and screamed at them through the whole class, teacher didn't do much. After class, some girl came up and hit my son in the head with a notebook. Fairly hard. We let that go because my son happens to like the teacher and he didn't want me reporting that the class had gotten out of hand and possibly get her in trouble.

Today, he's outside at PE and some kid says out loud that "XXXX is for Obama." The asst. principal hears and calls my son into his office. He asks my son why he likes Obama. My son recites his reasoning. Asst. principal then says that Obama is "for abortion." My son states Obama's position (he had just read a summary in the Post last night). The asst. principal said it was a lie. They then moved on to other topics and the asst. principal states that he calls lots of kids in to "talk" and sends my son out. WTH??

I'm just so SICK and TIRED of this. My son has had nothing but crap from his school, his piano teacher, etc. What the heck gives these adults the feeling that they can talk to my child this way.

Right now I just want to go up to that school and scream, but I tell myself "Just a few months and you will be out of there."

Would you say anything or let it go?

 

[C.Ann]

Not really sure what I would do, but I can say without a doubt that it was very inppropriate for the school (teachers; principal; etc.) to behave in this fashion..

 

[genius118899]

If you send your child to a Catholic school, you do so with the understanding that he will be taught Catholic principles. To many Catholics, abortion is condoned murder. You can understand why the teachers can then think that Obama condones murder and would not want children under their care to support him. The girl hitting him is wrong and should have been followed up on. However, if you don't like it, put your child in public school.

 

[mamacatnv]

It's a private Catholic School - the Principal was informing your son of their views and those of the church. IMO the school had the right. As for the notebook incident, they are middle schoolers, heck they pound on each other all the time.
When I went to private school they shoved God down our throat at every turn, what do you expect from a religious private school? I'm not trying to be snarky, I truly am curious

 

[Christine]

If you send your child to a Catholic school, you do so with the understanding that he will be taught Catholic principles. To many Catholics, abortion is condoned murder. You can understand why the teachers can then think that Obama condones murder and would not want children under their care to support him. The girl hitting him is wrong and should have been followed up on. However, if you don't like it, put your child in public school.

Just because they do not believe in abortion, does not give ANY teacher the right to single my son out and have a private lecture with him and criticize his position AND to tell lies (which this asst. principal did). I have absolutely NO problem with them using their Mass to preach what they believe in and to even say why they would like their parishoners to vote a certain way. I don't have a problem if they do it during school Mass. I don't have a problem if they disagree with abortion in math class. However, I do have a problem with my son being pulled aside and "talked" to and being fed propaganda from the other side. Obama's stance on abortion was provided in detailed in the newspaper. It is accurate. It is not a lie. Why would you tell a child that it is a lie. My son, no matter where he goes, has a right to his own candidate. I expected his view to be respected, if not approved.

 

[daisax]

I'm Catholic and that sounds way out of line to me (at least it would be in our parish/area).

Yes, the official church teaching is that abortion is a sin. However, setting up an election segment in class then zeroing in on children for expressing their political viewpoints is petty passive aggressiveness.

Sounds like a petty little man using what little power he has to intimidate children. Yes, it's a Catholic school -- they can hold dailyspecial lectures on the evils of abortion. You don't blindside a kid like that.

 

[c4a]

I am not an Obama fan. PERIOD.
Does your son want you to fight this battle for him?
If so, I would be making an appt. with the school. Your son has the right and the priviledge to support any presidential canidate for any reason he chooses. He does not have to defend his position to anyone for any reason.
As a parent, tuition is paid to the school to educate your child. I understand the lesson on the debate process, the voting process, teaching that as part of our citizenship we have a responsibility to choose officials that represent us-as closly as possible to our ideas and ideals...all worthy and admirable lessons. The school crossed the line (even as a Parochial/Religion theology based one) and violated your sons God given Constitutional rights. Not only that, there is the issue of the violence. What would have happened if your son (wrongly) had hit someone?
Give your son a hug for me. I don't agree with his political beliefs. However I admire his abilty to stand up for it & the fact that he did educate himself on the canidates and their beliefs.

 

[Christine]

It's a private Catholic School - the Principal was informing your son of their views and those of the church. IMO the school had the right. As for the notebook incident, they are middle schoolers, heck they pound on each other all the time.
When I went to private school they shoved God down our throat at every turn, what do you expect from a religious private school? I'm not trying to be snarky, I truly am curious

I expect all that and have gotten it in spades with NO PROBLEM. They were not giving him the Church views. He has gotten plenty of that and he understands it fully. What I don't like is the viciousness of the children over this (I didn't give all the details of what was said in that class) and the fact that the teachers are not teaching respect. I know my son goes against what they believe, but you have to teach tolerance without ridicule or deception.

 

[KirstenB]

I'm sorry. He is being bullied right up to the assistant principal. To say it was unprofessional is an understatement. Talk about intolerance. My question is, what school will he start in 9th grade? Private school, or public? My kids go to public school, so I wouldn't hesitate to pull him now, and put him in the public school at the middle school level so he can start meeting the people he'll go to high school with.

However, if he's going to a private high school, that doesn't have a middle school, then your situation gets trickier. I'd have a hard time not saying anything, but I'd guess you might well burn some bridges if you do speak up. Then the next several months could really be a strain.

 

[genius118899]

Just because they do not believe in abortion, does not give ANY teacher the right to single my son out and have a private lecture with him and criticize his position AND to tell lies (which this asst. principal did). I have absolutely NO problem with them using their Mass to preach what they believe in and to even say why they would like their parishoners to vote a certain way. I don't have a problem if they do it during school Mass. I don't have a problem if they disagree with abortion in math class. However, I do have a problem with my son being pulled aside and "talked" to and being fed propaganda from the other side. Obama's stance on abortion was provided in detailed in the newspaper. It is accurate. It is not a lie. Why would you tell a child that it is a lie. My son, no matter where he goes, has a right to his own candidate. I expected his view to be respected, if not approved.

What lies did the principal tell? Obama approves Roe v Wade. He approves letting babies who survive abortions die and be refused medical attention. How much worse could the principal have made it sound?

 

[Pigeon]

I would go in and rip the principal a new one.

They can teach that the catholic church is anti-choice. That's fine. In no way should they be telling your child who should win political races. Your child can support any candidate they'd like. And your child shouldn't be bullied by other students or the administration.

 

[mamacatnv]

Just because they do not believe in abortion, does not give ANY teacher the right to single my son out and have a private lecture with him and criticize his position AND to tell lies (which this asst. principal did). I have absolutely NO problem with them using their Mass to preach what they believe in and to even say why they would like their parishoners to vote a certain way. I don't have a problem if they do it during school Mass. I don't have a problem if they disagree with abortion in math class. However, I do have a problem with my son being pulled aside and "talked" to and being fed propaganda from the other side. Obama's stance on abortion was provided in detailed in the newspaper. It is accurate. It is not a lie. Why would you tell a child that it is a lie. My son, no matter where he goes, has a right to his own candidate. I expected his view to be respected, if not approved.

Then I would advise public school for his future. The Principal told him that he talks to students......sounds like you want the advantages of both private and public schooling but in the way that you want, not necessarily the way the school chooses to deliver it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You are sending your son to a PRIVATE CATHOLIC school. Your son's treatment is not shocking.

Just let it go. The election will be over and the hoopla will die down.

What do you expect to change?

I would have told my girls to LIE or keep their mouth shut, if they were in your situation. I have and they have done it in Texas.

Now they are back in MO and it is split....my dd's can argue with peers for Obama. Of course I would not send to them to Catholic school and we were Catholic.

 

[mamacatnv]

I expect all that and have gotten it in spades with NO PROBLEM. They were not giving him the Church views. He has gotten plenty of that and he understands it fully. What I don't like is the viciousness of the children over this (I didn't give all the details of what was said in that class) and the fact that the teachers are not teaching respect. I know my son goes against what they believe, but you have to teach tolerance without ridicule or deception.

But that is not what your original post was all about - you were willing to let the incident with the other student go, you were angry over the actions of the Principal.

IMO - If you are going to spout off your views as it sounds like your son has, then regardless of age, you better be willing to stand up to the back lash. In 8th grade, he should know this

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

No advice. Hugs to your and your son.

 

[SereneOne]

I would go in and rip the principal a new one.

They can teach that the catholic church is anti-choice. That's fine. In no way should they be telling your child who should win political races. Your child can support any candidate they'd like. And your child shouldn't be bullied by other students or the administration.

They are NOT anti-choice...the so-called pro-choicers are the ones that are anti, they believe the only ones that have choice are irresponsible women who think there are no consequences to their actions except for the baby and the man. And no, I am not talking about cases of rape and incest, that is obviously not choice.

What was done to your son was wrong and I would have a harsh chat with the principle. McCain is a divorced man and I am sure he has had sex out of wedlock and so on and on and on....

 

[Christine]

But that is not what your original post was all about - you were willing to let the incident with the other student go, you were angry over the actions of the Principal.

IMO - If you are going to spout off your views as it sounds like your son has, then regardless of age, you better be willing to stand up to the back lash. In 8th grade, he should know this

Sorry, I'm just so angry I can't get it out.

My son isn't spouting off his views except when the teacher wanted to have a debate in class. I guess he didn't think it through enough and he should have LIED about his candidate. Six students chose the Obama side.

On the playground today, he was not spouting his views, he was playing basketball. One of the other kids was fooling around (as he has every day since the debate) and said out loud that my son was voting for a babykiller. The assistant principal overheard this and dragged my kid in the office.

Oh, and I just got a text from "babykiller kid" (who thinks my phone is my son's) which said not to vote for Obama unless you are a babykiller.

I was willing to let the other incident go because it was the first one and I thought that might be it. The classroom debate has turned into a launchpad of harrassment for the "Obama kids" and just about every other day I hear something. I was going to let it all go too because it is just kids after all and they will deal with it.

I was kind of surprised that the assistant principal decided to throw in his 2 cents. Although he was not mean in anyway.

 

[amyhughes]

To the OP, you have to understand that in Catholicism our schools reflect our church and vice versa. There is no line or separation between what is taught in the classroom and at Mass. I know you are not Catholic, but you send your son to a Catholic private school. And it can be shocking sometimes to be confronted with religion in school in the modern era.

Even though the Catholic church (for obvious reasons) has not endorsed any one specific candidate this issue, the sanctity of the unborn, is one that in our faith there is no margin of error or wiggle room. If the conversation came around to that, the Asst. Principal could have handled it differently knowing that your son is non-Catholic. But he has to represent the church in the school as I said above.

I can see your frustrations. I really can. Just be thankful the schools aren't still run by nuns.

 

[Goofycampers]

That sounds out of line to me. I don't think just because it's a private school the principle (or vice principle) has the right to single your kid out. I'm sure for an eighth grader that was somewhat intimidating. I think that it is o.k. for a Catholic school to teach according to their beliefs though.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I'm sorry, but your son has every right to express his views, specifically because THE SCHOOL ENCOURAGED IT by having a mock election. He is being singled out, not because of faith but because of his freedom to choose. My DD goes to Catholic school (and we are Catholic) and has since PreK3. Every year they hold mock elections and NO ONE is singled out for their choice. This year 75% of the students voted for Obama. I would be extremely PO'd and would call the school. If people shouldn't be persecuted because of their religion, they certainly shouldn't be persecuted for their political choices. Not in this country. This is, first and foremost, America and were it not, the Catholics would not be able to practice their faith freely. They owe your son, and you, an apology for singling him out. If don't ask, don't tell could work for the government, it should also work for Catholic schools.