While it is possible that the girl’s parents were unaware of the school’s position on sexual orientation, it does seem odd to me that her parents chose that school. I have to think there were other reasons which influenced their decision. Academic standing, affordability, location – that sort of thing.

my question would be is the school teaching the child or the parents, and does this open a case of discrimination to the child ?

moose, in the US churches are permitted to discriminate. Often they are permitted all the rights the US affords but due to the separation of church and state they often are not required to follow the laws and rules the US has established for non-religious based institutions.

Moose,

As a rule of thumb, the First Amendment free speech and freedom of association rights applies to private organizations which are not funded by tax dollars.

There are only a few exceptions to this rule.

thanks for the info, i am not sure they would get away with that here

I've not sure they should here either

Lilith,

Are you suggesting that First Amendment free speech and freedom of association rights be withdrawn from religious organizations?

Yes when they use tax dollars given in the form of school vouchers.

I believe they have a right to do so, though I strongly disagree with their stance.

And I agree with Lilith... if a private institutuion receives federal assistance (be it monies or vouchers) then they should not be allowed exemption from the First Amendment.

Lilith,

If you are referring to the schools which accept the vouchers, then I couldn't agree with you more. A bad idea that. I presume you were not referring to the religious institutions with which the schools are affiliated, are you?

“Hear, hear!”

I believe that churches who own/run schools and receive public monies/vouchers should not be able to discriminate in regards to the school's admission for any reason. If they want public funds they need to abide by the same requirements that public school faces.

I also believe that if they are receiving public monies/vouchers to educate ESE students, they should be required to privide ESE services and no longer have those students receive services from the county.

Educate me please - what is ESE? I always want to believe it's English as a second language but that's ESL.

Right maddy ESOL is English secong language learners. ESE is Exceptional Student Education, everything from gifted to a variety of handicaps.

Lilith,

Again, if you are referring to the schools which accept the vouchers, then we are in agreement.

The notion of the State distributing tax monies from the General Treasury without regulating how it is used is a terrible idea. As a taxpayer I would expect sufficient oversight. I can also see how the faithful of <put your religion here> would take exception to having some “non believer” dictate the limits on how those dollars are to be used. A bad idea all around.

I don’t know any details, but you make it sound as if Florida’s Exceptional Student Education needs a sober second look.