The superintendent of a Texas school district is receiving accolades around the country today for courageously defying an atheist group by refusing to cave to their demands.
The Blaze is reporting on the incident which involved White Oak High School principal Dan Noll who has been reading scripture daily to the school’s students in an exercise he calls, “Thought for the Day.” An unnamed student decided to record the daily reading and send it to the atheist activist group, Freedom From Religion Foundation.
As expected, the group fired off a warning letter to the school’s superintendent complaining about Noll’s daily reading. But instead of eliciting the usual response of quick disciplinary action against the principal to avoid a costly lawsuit, Michael Gilbert, the superintendent of the White Oak Independent School District did just the opposite – he fired back.
Gilbert issued a statement saying that he “will not pursue any action against our High School Principal or any other member of our faculty/staff concerning this issue.”
The statement goes on to say:
“Let me be clear, this is an attempt to draw us into a contest of words for the sole purpose of giving the FFRF a large amount of free press/recognition that they and their very few members (1,200 in Texas) do not deserve. This group and others like it, are wanting us to provide them with negative quotes to use in the promotion of their agenda. We can and will make the adjustments needed to ensure our students experience a morally sound, positive character based education. There are a multitude of options to provide our students, faculty and staff the opportunity to express their First Amendment Rights as provided for in the United States Constitution. Let me also be clear that we have not (in my opinion) violated anyone’s rights and/or subjected anyone to undue stress. Bible studies and scriptures are allowed in schools. The requirement is that the material be presented in a neutral manner. It is my position that we met that standard with the morning announcements.
“My recommended response to the FFRF is, ‘I’m sorry you feel that way. I will be praying for you and your staff daily’.
“Finally, as a Christian Brother, it will not promote the values we hold so dear to assail those that disagree with the Gospel. We will state our case. We will make sure our rights are just as protected as anyone else that lives in this great country. We will continue to provide for all the needs of our students and we will do so while traveling the High Road. . .”
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, could not have been more pleased and expressed a sentiment that is shared by millions of faith-filled citizens across the country today.
“At a time when most educators are tripping over themselves to do the Left’s bidding, Michael Gilbert’s courage is exactly what the doctor ordered,” Perkins said.
“Our ten-gallon hats go off to the Superintendent for teaching these liberals a lesson in religious liberty!”
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