Religion and public schools can't mix, even in song

Religion and public schools can't mix, even in song


Publication Date: 04/24/09

The St. Johns County School District is back in federal court to explain a song's use that parents believe is sectarian.

The first song, "In God We Still Do Trust" was being rehearsed for an end-of-the-school year assembly by third graders at The Webster School when parents complained, filed a lawsuit and a federal court preliminary injunction was issued. That suit is awaiting trial.

The latest song -- "Chatter With the Angels" -- was part of a third-grade classroom music lesson at Webster from a state- approved textbook. Attorneys for the same parents in the lawsuit filed an amendment to the suit and characterized the latest song as a "blatantly sectarian and proselytizing religious song."

"Chatter With the Angels" has been on the state-approved list for public schools since 1988; re-approved in 2003. In 1988, it was a called a Black American "folk song." However, the 2003 adoption refers to it as an African American spiritual. Other Web sites refer to it as spiritual, too.

It's hard to argue that it's nonsectarian when its focus is angels, a big part of Christian religious beliefs.

Religion is important to many people. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist routinely ends speeches with "God Bless the great state of Florida." Faith in God helps gets many of us through the trials and tribulations that we are all facing these days.

But our laws require that religion be kept out of our public school systems.

After the preliminary injunction was issued April 15, School District officials should have met with teachers and principals to explain the implications of an injunction. The curriculum office should have conducted a review of songs including those in the approved textbooks for any shred of religious meaning. These actions are not a matter of distrust.

Lawsuits are costly and time consuming. This school district doesn't need any more distractions, especially financial ones.

Unlike the first case that is set for trial, the decision on the second song should be a slam dunk in favor of the district. The district was using a state-approved textbook.

U.S District Judge Harvey Schlesinger should consider the state's involvement in his decision. "Chatter With the Angels" song is OK for public schools statewide. His ruling will have statewide implications. If blame is assessed against the School District, the state shares some of it, too.

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