Teachers wearing religious garb

[wilkeliza]

I have nor problem with appropriately sized religious garments. I think moderate sized to small of anything is fine as long as they don't take it as an opportunity to open dialogue unless someone approaches them. If a child is curious I think it is ok to answer with out getting preachy like I wear this because it is significant to my faith or whatever.

 

[Magpie]

This is me exactly. 100% atheist, through and through. All good with me if you want to believe, go for it. Just don't try to engage my kids in conversation about it.

Trying to engage kids in conversation? No. But, I do think if a child asks, "Why do you wear (whatever)?" The teacher should be able to answer, "It's a symbol of my religion, which is (whatever)." No, they shouldn't be going on rudely about how their religion is the bestest religion evah and everyone who doesn't join is going to burn for eternity. But, similarly, they shouldn't have to pretend it doesn't exist, either.

I always try to answer kids' questions honestly, even when they're awkward. The other day, a little boy asked me, "Do turtles come in male and female, because they look totally the same." And, when, "Yes, there are male and female turtles," didn't satisfy him, I finally ended up saying bluntly, "All male animals, including birds, snakes and turtles, have penises. Some just keep their tucked up inside, where you can't see them." That finally did the trick, and we were able to get back to our reading lesson.

 

[rastahomie]

I always try to answer kids' questions honestly, even when they're awkward.

8/9-year-old kid: Homie, do you and your wife have kids?
ME: Nope, we sure don't.
KID: Why not?
ME: That's kind of a personal question, don't you think?
KID: No, I don't think so. Why don't you and your wife have kids?
ME, defeated by his ironclad logic: My wife and I can't have kids.
KID: Why can't you and your wife have kids?
ME: That's a really personal question, and I'm not going to answer it. Go find something else to do.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

This topic came up with some coworkers and I was wondering what you all thought. Should teachers be able to wear items that represent their religion? For example, if a Christian teacher chooses to simply wear a cross necklace, but does not preach or talk about his/her beliefs, do you think that is appropriate?

Tough topic here on the DIS since religion is something we are not allowed to discuss.

For my 2 cents, while your statement appears very simplistic, it is just not realistic. What I mean is that the person should be allowed to discuss their "attire" if someone asks them about it.

In other words setting up a precedent of "not talking" is easily seen as a predictable failure as a policy idea.

People "talk". Furthermore communication is a good thing. Learning is always something I encourage.

I ascribe to no religion if that makes any difference. I love religious iconography and attire. The history is fascinating.

 

[Klayfish]

Trying to engage kids in conversation? No. But, I do think if a child asks, "Why do you wear (whatever)?" The teacher should be able to answer, "It's a symbol of my religion, which is (whatever)." No, they shouldn't be going on rudely about how their religion is the bestest religion evah and everyone who doesn't join is going to burn for eternity. But, similarly, they shouldn't have to pretend it doesn't exist, either.

Yep, I can be on board with that philosophy. I'd fully support that response from a teacher.

 

[Shanti]

This topic came up with some coworkers and I was wondering what you all thought. Should teachers be able to wear items that represent their religion? For example, if a Christian teacher chooses to simply wear a cross necklace, but does not preach or talk about his/her beliefs, do you think that is appropriate?

It would violate the 1st amemdment to prevent that. Freedom of religion.

If someone would say, "But you don't have to wear your cross to be a Christian", then you must be equally be okay with forcing an Orthodox Jewish man to shave off his facial hair, because he doesn't have to wear facial hair to be Jewish, according to some people's interpretation. Forcing either one would be coercive and wrong. Wearing my badge of faith is part of my witness to my faith in Christ, and the government cannot legally force me to remove it.

Btw, my state actually passed a law to specifically allow teachers to say "Merry Christmas", or whatever holiday wishes are appropriate to their faith. It's ridiculous that they even need a law for that, but I'm glad it's there as a protecton. I'm a teacher, not a robot.

 

[sam_gordon]

Btw, my state actually passed a law to specifically allow teachers to say "Merry Christmas", or whatever holiday wishes are appropriate to their faith. It's ridiculous that they even need a law for that, but I'm glad it's there as a protecton. I'm a teacher, not a robot.

As long as parents don't get their panties in a wad if a Jewish teacher tells a child "Happy Hanukkah" or a Muslim teacher says "Happy Ramadan". And please don't tell me that would never happen.

 

[amberpi]

I was an atheist most of my life and have no issue with anyone wearing or believing whatever, in any capacity - public or private. I don't think its appropriate to discuss at length/preachy way/whatever in a public setting but I'm down for anyone wishing me a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Festivus or whatever. Who doesn't want good wishes? Just don't look down on my "Happy Holidays" I simply like it best. Teachers and public figures should be able to express their beliefs without trying to convert anyone and that's just fine.

 

[wilkeliza]

It would violate the 1st amemdment to prevent that. Freedom of religion.

If someone would say, "But you don't have to wear your cross to be a Christian", then you must be equally be okay with forcing an Orthodox Jewish man to shave off his facial hair, because he doesn't have to wear facial hair to be Jewish, according to some people's interpretation. Forcing either one would be coercive and wrong. Wearing my badge of faith is part of my witness to my faith in Christ, and the government cannot legally force me to remove it.

Btw, my state actually passed a law to specifically allow teachers to say "Merry Christmas", or whatever holiday wishes are appropriate to their faith. It's ridiculous that they even need a law for that, but I'm glad it's there as a protecton. I'm a teacher, not a robot.

Just playing devils advocate buy not many if any Orthodox Jewish teachers would apply for jobs in the public school system. An equivelent might be more to say a convervative Jewish man would not be able to wear his kippah.

 

[MamaBelle4]

As long as parents don't get their panties in a wad if a Jewish teacher tells a child "Happy Hanukkah" or a Muslim teacher says "Happy Ramadan". And please don't tell me that would never happen.

It gets my panties in a wad when people get angry about that. If someone wishes me Happy Hanukkah or Happy Ramadan, I say, now hold on to your hats, kids cause this is shocking, "Thank you, you too."

Someone took a second out of their day to wish me well. So what if I don't celebrate? I still appreciate the sentiment behind it.

 

[Westcoastwild]

There's a difference (legally) between talking about an organization and preaching. People often think that separation of church and state means that the topic can't be discussed period in schools. It can be talked about in a historical context- like how it developed, shaped culture, what is practiced. But you can't talk about one group and exclude all others, the organizations can't fund or control schools, etc. Teachers can't (at least where I grew up) divulge their personal opinions for fear of causing undue influence, but the same rule applies to the other topic we aren't allowed to discuss.

I'm not in favor of dress codes in general for teachers. You're telling me that someone who likely holds multiple degrees really needs to be told what to wear? Or that it effects their performance? Nope. The idea that a kid might ask questions is a nonstarter for me too- kids ask questions about all sorts of things. I had a kid ask me why I didn't wear dresses more often because men like women who wear dresses. I know an 8th grade teacher with a prosthetic limb and you can bet that was a hot topic among the kids. No matter what you do, kids ask questions, and there's probably an inappropriate answer for any question you can think up. So kids asking questions shouldn't be a consideration. Teachers are professionals and should answer any question in an appropriate way.

 

[sam_gordon]

It gets my panties in a wad when people get angry about that. If someone wishes me Happy Hanukkah or Happy Ramadan, I say, now hold on to your hats, kids cause this is shocking, "Thank you, you too."

Someone took a second out of their day to wish me well. So what if I don't celebrate? I still appreciate the sentiment behind it.

I think the same when someone tells me "Merry Christmas". But I guarantee SOMEONE would get upset if they (or their snowflake) were told "Happy Ramadan".

 

[tcufrog]

Yes as long as:

1. It doesn't interfere with their ability to do their job.

2. It's treated like an article of clothing instead of something meant to indoctrinate or make someone uncomfortable who isn't of the same faith. For example, a small discrete cross necklace vs a shirt that says the owner is saved, are you?

3. There is no religious discrimination that determines what is or isn't allowed.

 

[Marchand63]

As long as they don't show up naked I could care less what they wear.

 

[dish rag]

My teachers wore nuns habits, didn't faze me. They were excellent teachers, amazing actually.

 

[AustinMommyofThree]

This is me exactly. 100% atheist, through and through. All good with me if you want to believe, go for it. Just don't try to engage my kids in conversation about it.

I'm spiritual, ostensibly of the Christian faith but generally more of a vague theist, and I am the same way. People can wear religious symbols if they want (and they do not interfere with their ability to do their jobs or the rights of those around them) but I do not want anybody proselytizing to me or my children and certainly don't want them using their position of authority and power as a teacher to try to coerce them to their point of view. I have had a teacher disciplined for telling my daughter that "accepting [insert name of deity] was the only way to avoid [a place one does not want to go]" and feel no regrets about doing so.

 

[BEloveDisney]

It actually does bother me a bit. I'm an atheist and have several friends who are Pagan, Wiccan, or Satanic. They have all been told they aren't allowed to wear or display symbols of their faiths. In my experience, people are okay with the "acceptable" religions, but not with some of the fringe ones. I personally got tired of the cross that was prominently displayed in my shared office. A co worker was written up for having a Pagan symbol in his work area. It doesn't bother me enough that I would complain about it, but I would prefer that religious displays of any type be left out of public education.

 

[ronandannette]

Meh - this question, as worded, should be a non-issue in real life. I wear a cross pendant (not a crucifix) every single day. I'm not a teacher, but I have never once in 40 years been asked anything by anybody about it. It doesn't rouse curiosity or prove to be a springboard for evangelism - nor is it intended to. I get that it's a pretty mundane symbol in our culture, but I also expect that in 2017 even less mainstream items like hijab, turbans and/or kippah are not so unfamiliar that they evoke a lot of attention, even amongst children. And I'd imagine that most young children, if confronted with what they might consider an oddity, would probably bring it up to their parents who could then frame it however suited them.

 

[Mom2FiveKidz]

Just playing devils advocate buy not many if any Orthodox Jewish teachers would apply for jobs in the public school system. An equivelent might be more to say a convervative Jewish man would not be able to wear his kippah.

I've worked with 2 Orthodox Jewish teachers, and one Orthodox Jewish therapist, one in a public school, and two in a secular private school for children with disabilities. Why would you think that Orthodox Jews wouldn't apply for a job in a public school setting?

 

[ols386]

I think it's appropriate. It seems like it's more about jewelry rather than making a religious statement.