Indianapolis Schools Ban Atheism Websites
by Jesse Galef - Nov 14, 2009
The Indianapolis Public School system has a policy to ban certain websites from being viewed at school. I certainly hated it when I was in high school (we found ways to bypass it if course) but it’s a reasonable idea. And the list of subjects banned is pretty straightforward: Pornography, Social Networking, Atheism and “Alternative Spirituality”, Games –
Wait, what? Sites on ‘alternative spirituality’ are banned? From the policy (pdf hosted on FFRF website):
“Sites that promote and provide information on religions such as Wicca, Witchcraft or Satanism. Occult Practices, atheistic views, voodoo rituals or other forms of mysticism are represented here… This category includes sites which discuss or deal with paranormal or unexplained events.” [emphasis mine]
Any site addressing LGBT issues or sexual identity is also banned – great idea for the kids going through confusing times, right?
Ok, first of all, I don’t know why “atheistic views” are in the same category as Satanism. But ignoring that idiocy, this is hugely discriminatory. “Normal” religious sites are allowed, but not the “scary minority” religious views. I could understand if all religious sites were banned but there’s no way to justify banning only some.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is on the case, writing a letter to the superintendent and urging people to voice their concerns.
Tags: FFRF, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Indianapolis, Separation of Church and State, Separation-of-Church-and-State, public schools, socas
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Reggie on -
Yeah, I saw this awhile back. It really illustrates how far atheists have yet to go to educate people about atheism. It is such a simple concept that many people just fail to grasp.
And I wouldn't mind the ban if religious websites were also banned.
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Permalink Reply by Johnny on -
And I wouldn't mind the ban if religious websites were also banned.
Exactly! Applied to all views on religion, or none. Otherwise it favoritism, thus implied endorsement, and eventually establishment.
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Permalink Reply by Dave G on -
Bingo. Of course, they won't see it that way, because they think that 'Freedom of religion' means 'Free to worship Jesus however you like'.
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Permalink Reply by elaine kilshaw on -
I am wondering if we are in China not in America and Great Britain. Or in Germany in the 1930s when they burned books. In a way though it strikes me as they are getting scared of atheist sites in case intellegent and reasonable people may be swayed by them.
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