[CALIBK12] The Case for a Creator...Lee Strobel

[David Burt]

Of course a teacher can discuss a book with a student.  The question
comes in to play when considering who is part of the conversation.  I
was often asked about my religion in the classroom since my own children
attended this high school and the students knew our religion. When
students would ask me questions in front of the class, I would respond
with brief, factual answers.  When their questions steered towards
doctrine, I would inform them, as politely as I could, that we would
have to discuss that after school, since that had crossed the line.
When discussing religion in history, I always emphasized the need to
understand people's belief to show how it influenced their actions.
This was a little trickier as I am no expert on other religions.  It is
an approach that seems to work.  No parents have complained yet.

 

The First Amendment says "Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or
abridging the freedom of speech".  Consequent court decisions have
narrowed what can be discussed or done, but none have outlawed the
discussion of religious belief in the school.

 

Articles 1 and 2 in the ALA Library Bill of Rights state

 

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the
interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community
the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the
origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all
points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be
proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
(Underlining added)

 

As for buying the books, the only question to me would be, "will they
circulate?"  If there is a group of students who want to read them,
order them.  With only two weeks in the Library, one of my former
students came in and asked me to buy the Rainbow Boys series of books.
I was hesitant at first, but finally realized that it didn't matter if
some parents were offended, as long as those books were read.  Those
three books circulate regularly, and if forced to defend them, one of my
tools will be those circulation figures.

 

Best of Luck,

 

 

David J. Burt 

Teacher Librarian 

Southwest High School 

El Centro, CA 

dburt at cuhsd.net <mailto:dburt at cuhsd.net>  

http://library.eaglesnet.net

 

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