Latest "War on chrisTmas" Story shot down within one day

[Ian David]

Taunton schools rebut report on child's Jesus drawing

By David Abel, Globe Staff

TAUNTON -- The story smacked of religious bias during the Christmas season: An elementary school allegedly suspended a second-grader, it went, and required the boy to undergo a psychological evaluation after he drew a picture of Jesus Christ on the cross.

But today, Taunton school officials challenged the account, first reported in the Taunton Daily Gazette and later repeated by the boy's father. The reports have created a media frenzy in this city south of Boston.

Julie Hackett, superintendent of Taunton Public Schools, said the student was never suspended and that neither he nor other students at the Maxham Elementary School were asked by their teacher to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas or any religious holiday, as the newspaper reported and the father suggested.

<snip>

She said the boy's drawing was seen as a potential cry for help when the student identified himself, rather than Jesus, as the figure on the cross, which sparked the teacher to alert the school's principal and staff psychologist.



More:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/12/by_david_abel_g_6.html?camp=localsearch:on:twit:hp

[ShadDogPt]

1. If he had been told to leave his religion outside the school door; who else could he say was on it?

I don't think his answer disproves anything other than the young boy was afraid to say Jesus Christ for fear of retribution from the school.

[darkstar3]

2. Are you kidding?

Enjoy your stay. :eyes:

[Ian David]

3. Hmmm, that COULD be.

But when a teacher asks you to draw something about Christmas, you MIGHT expect that Christ may be depicted.

It makes sense that the teacher was concerned when the boy said, "That's ME being crucified."

Also makes sense that maybe he said that because he was afraid he'd get in trouble for saying it was Christ.

It's a bit of a stretch, though.

[darkstar3]

5. They weren't asked to draw something about Christmas.

That's part of the problem, he drew it unprompted and when asked, identified himself being crucified.

[Ian David]

8. You're right. I just re-read that. Poor reading comprehension on my part. n/t

[ShadDogPt]

6. Not a stretch; if he is from a very Christian family; he may feel that is what some would do to him.

Christians have been persecuted their entire existance. What would be strange about a young boy from a Christian family aware of how much persecution has been practiced on Christians, including putting them on the cross, would think that is what some in the world want to do to him.

[Ian David]

7. What country are you from where chrisTians are presecuted?

Here in America, they're overwhelmingly the ones doing the persecuting.

[darkstar3]

9. "Christians have been persecuted their entire existance."

Sure...Christians haven't been in power anywhere in the world at any time since their institution. :eyes:

What rock did you crawl out from under?

[safeinOhio]

10. Yes , several hundred were thrown to the lions

then they went on to kill millions at the stake and on the rack.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[darkstar3]

14. Can you ask the Secret Santa in the Sky if I can have a new TV? n/t

[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[darkstar3]

16. Oh noes, it insulted my work ethic!

Whatever shall I do?

Oh, wait, I get it. :think: It was projection! You don't have a job, and THAT'S why you've decided to go trolling tonight.

Maybe your Secret Santa can help you out with that. :rofl:

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[darkstar3]

19. I never said one thing about a boot.

You came up with that on your own, which tells me that you came here EXPECTING to get booted.

Moderate Democrats aren't going anywhere. Anyone with 2 brain cells to rub together knows better than to let another pubbie into office.

[darkstar3]

20. To any and all who were offended by this comment,

please understand, I HAD to poke the troll. :)

[safeinOhio]

18. When asked what to pray for

Jesus said to pray for God's will to be done. So what ever her will be, go ahead.

[rd_kent]

23. PLease point out this persecution, especially in modern times.

[LiberalAndProud]

24. Darn I wanted to play too. Couldn't beat the TS though.

[mike_c]

25. "Christians have been persecuted their entire existance."

:rofl:

Good one!

[ZombieHorde]

11. He probably said it was himself so his Christian chruch would not punish him for drawing

such a crappy picture of Jesus Christ.

[DeSwiss]

21. "....who else could he say was on it?"

Santa? Rudolph? Mrs. Claus? Oral Roberts?


:shrug: - Oh that's right, Oral's dead now.....

[rd_kent]

22. Wow, that is the worst rebuttal ever. FAIL.

Welcome to DU. Enjoy your stay.

[LuvNewcastle]

4. This wouldn't even be a story if

the father wasn't trying to squeeze money out of the school district.

[struggle4progress]

12. ... The Taunton Public Schools released the following statement in response to the allegations:

It has been reported in the media that a student was suspended over drawing a rendering of Jesus Christ on the cross. This report is totally inaccurate, and the student was never suspended. This incident occurred nearly two weeks ago, it was handled appropriately, and the school staff and family had been working together in a cooperative and positive manner.

The drawing published in various media outlets is not the same drawing that was discovered by the teacher. It has not been established whether the drawing was actually completed in school. Contrary to what has been reported, there was no request or assignment by the teacher for students to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas or any religious holiday ...

In this case, as in any other case involving the well-being of a student, the administration acted in accordance with the school department's well-established protocol. This protocol is centered upon the student's care, wellbeing and educational success. The protocol includes a review of the student's records, discussions with staff, central administration, school psychologists and other community resources. Decisions were made only after this protocol had been completed, including a consultation with a veteran staff member with a background in clinical psychology and a Ph.D.

It is unfortunate that the actions of our district staff have been classified as "religious" in nature when, in fact, they were based solely on the well-being of the student ...

Administrators in the Taunton Public Schools have an open-door policy and a willingness to discuss and examine any parental concerns and/or actions taken by the teachers, administrators, and other staff. It is difficult for us to address issues when they originate in a media news story ... As with any issue involving a child, regardless of a parent's choice to discuss it in the media, it is the school district's responsibility to act first in the best interests of the student and family, which we will continue to do in this matter ...

Boy sent home from school over Jesus drawing; father demands apology
... **UPDATE 8:00pm**
http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/12/15/Boy-sent-home-from-school-over/1260907876.html

[Ian David]

26. In other words, the father is a liar. n/t