Indianapolis Schools Ban Atheism Websites
Indianapolis Schools Ban Atheism Website
by Jesse Galef
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.
http://unreasonablefaith.com/2009/11/14/indianapolis-schools-ban-at...
by Jesse Galef
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.
http://unreasonablefaith.com/2009/11/14/indianapolis-schools-ban-at...
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Comment by Doug Reardon on November 17, 2009 at 4:34pm -
"Education is not meant to edify and impart knowledge, it is there to make you a productive member of society, and see that you get a good job." - from a speech delivered by my high school principal over the intercom.
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Comment by Morgan Matthew on November 17, 2009 at 4:46pm -
Wow this is brutal!... "Ok, first of all, I don’t know why “atheistic views” are in the same category as Satanism." Exactly!!!
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Comment by Johnny on November 17, 2009 at 5:40pm -
Nice letter Neal, I think I'll follow suit.
I must admit it raises my shackles.
Wouldn't this be "raises my hackles" though?
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Comment by Galen on November 17, 2009 at 9:38pm -
Before you guys get all worked up, the school most likely pays for blocking software and the category of which things get blocked is not up to them. That is more and more often the case these days.
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Comment by Apple on November 18, 2009 at 12:32am -
That's not the case, Galen. According to the article they are blocking certain religious sites on purpose. The fact that mainstream religions are not being blocked but minority religions and atheism are being blocked is the point. They should either all be blocked, or all be allowed. Anything else is religious discrimination.
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Comment by Laura on November 18, 2009 at 1:30am -
"Atheistic views" gets lumped in with satanism because we luv teh devil 4 realz.
Excuse me while I go sacrifice a small animal to the dark lord on the satanic altar i've built in my bedroom.
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Comment by Dan on November 18, 2009 at 1:34am -
You going to drink the blood too? If not i can use it.
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Comment by Matthew on November 18, 2009 at 1:46am -
Some people REALLY do belive that since we dont believe in the xtian dog that we are "satan lovers". The myopic views of some people are very frightning.
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Comment by NO RELIGION on November 18, 2009 at 3:51am -
1.) fuck them
2.) kproxy.com hidemyass.com still work
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Comment by Peter Nichols on November 18, 2009 at 6:46am -
You know... a place of learning and education.
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