My son is being bullied because of his religion

~♥Little Miss - posted on 03/07/2013

I feel that Hollie has received a lot of support and some great advice from this post. I am now locking this thread.

~MoD Little Miss~

Louise - posted on 03/07/2013

It shouldn't matter what your beliefs r I'm christened but I don't consider my self to b a christian I don't go to church I don't own a bible but I'm not affensive to others beleifs I get annoyed if people think its there right to change peoples beleifs en the vice princaple has no rights to do tht x

Tracey - posted on 03/07/2013

COMPLAINT TO SCHOOLBOARD and if that doesn't work, go the agency which manages schoolboards!

Becky - posted on 03/07/2013

I have not encountered yet put was warned there is a mandatory class on religions in the public schools in our area, we live near Akron Ohio. I believe we all have a right to believe in what religion we wish. I am a Christian. Do tell your son these people bullying him are not being very Christian like. I would seek help from people hire up on the food chain. Have hope. I will pray this bullying stops.

Catherine - posted on 03/06/2013

Go to the State's Attorney in your city and file charges against the school. Your rights can only be taken away from you if you let people.

Sandy - posted on 03/06/2013

This is wrong!! Our country was founded on the basis of freedom of religion. This school principal is violated your child's civil rights by persecuting him for his beliefs... And he's a child! No one should be subjected to any kind of discrimination!

Rhonda - posted on 03/06/2013

If anyone threatened to stab my child I would immediately call the police, then seek a restraining order where the threatening bully would not be allowed to approach my child at all. Thus the school would need to take responsibility to have them in different classrooms, etc. Personally if I chose to keep my child in public school I would also obtain permission to change schools at that point. (Our family enjoys being part of a homeschool co-op which you might consider if that appeals to you).

Also, I am not a fan of CP but even if I was, "2 licks" for threatening to STAB another person is akin to a police officer warning a drunk driver to "please drive home safe." Obviously they would need to be "taken" off the road to spend a night in jail while they sobered up!! Likewise, the student needed to be taken out of school - EXPELLED - until the parents sought mandatory counseling for their child's mental health, including anger management. During this process, the child should work on assignments at home and only be allowed back in classes once a licensed counselor is willing to provide their recommendation. (And of course, the child should demonstrate their progress by offering an apology to the victim). For once a youth speaks of a violent act they "feel" like doing, they may not be far from doing it. History has shown we adults need to take that seriously and get them the proper help.

Pamela - posted on 03/06/2013

@ Kyrie...I think you misunderstood me. I wasn't saying he was right to try to force feed his own beliefs on the children he "cares" for. Freedom of speech is for EVERYONE, as long as we can do it in a respectful manner. He was NOT being respectful by doing what he did, but at the same time, he was within his rights to state his own beliefs. I believe in freedom of speech, and freedom of religion for EVERYONE whether I agree or not, but I would NEVER codone force feeding my own beliefs on someone else, especially in such a violent manner.

Angie - posted on 03/06/2013

Separation of Church and State is completely disregarded in the Bible Belt. I live in Louisiana and understand exactly what you are going through. My daughter has had to deal with the same types of problems from kids at her school. All it takes is a question like "What church do you go to?" to start a landslide of ignorant reactions. My daughter is very vocal about her rights and that might help her a little, but she stills had bullies, and trying to get the school board to do anything about it is pointless. We are the odd men out in a society full of religious bigots. Why expect the officials in charge to do anything about it, when they are just as ignorant about atheists and agnostics as the students? So I don't fight the system anymore, I left it. This year, was an experiment, for me and my oldest daughter in online school. She told me she didn't want to attend local school anymore and I found a K12 school that's statewide and online. I must say our experiment was a huge success. This will be the last year any of my children attend a traditional brick and mortar school. My second daughter (the one being bullied) will join her sister next year and my 3 year old will never see a traditional school, if I can help it.
No More uniforms, school lock-downs, bullying, prayer in school, waking up at 5 am to catch a bus, paying for school lunches that do not meet my child's needs, the list could go on forever...
I'm sure there is a school in your state. Google: "online K12 program in (state)" and see what you come up with.
Good Luck. I hope you find some peace and your son can regain his self esteem quickly.

Kyrie - posted on 03/06/2013

Pamela, people involved in public child care are NOT allowed to voice religious opinions to children. I worked in childcare for years.

Kristin - posted on 03/06/2013

This is why I live in San Francisco :) Although, if spanking is performed and condoned at school, no wonder you have these kinds of attitudes!

As someone who was raised in an "odd" religion that no one else at my school had, I have to say that, for starters, it's the parent's religion, not the child's. Persecution isn't "godliness" and it's not noble for a child to endure. Sorry to observe that your son is absorbing the consequences of your choices (just like a gay couple having a child in a socially conservative place) even though HE SHOULDN'T BE TREATED THIS WAY NO MATTER WHAT. Second, there is nothing you can do to change any of the players in this situation - you can devote yourself to changing school policy and complain about the principal which may be effective - but the real issue is how these other kids treat your son. He doesn't want to go to school and is having a horrible experience. That is what must stop. How can he become a less tantalizing target for these kids? A series of "somethings" happened that "outed" him, I am guessing, and his treatment is now being tolerated by the community (parents, teachers, etc.) If changing schools isn't an option, get your son support outside of you that can help him. A really good counselor, mentor, older sibling, someone your son can trust to help him navigate these times. There is nothing your son can do - he is completely powerless in this situation except how he chooses to respond to these little jerks. And then how he treats himself afterward - that is the real place of damage. Support him and talk to him about how things are going to get better (and consider moving?). Get real, professional help. Search online. Drive him two hours to a real city with actual diversity. Good luck!! Really hoping the best for your son, I imagine it must be heartbreaking to watch.

Kimberly - posted on 03/06/2013

I think you should home school him unless you can talk to the Principal. No matter what his religion is he shouldn't be BULLIED at all. I am Gnostic and believe we write our own charts before we came to Earth and have been BULLIED but I believe GOD is love and all religion is right. You need to find others that have his beliefs to get him through this. He's not the only one at that school that has this religion. Just find them!!!

Pamela - posted on 03/06/2013

While the VP was within his rights to state his own beliefs, bullying someone or trying to force your beliefs on someone else is WRONG. That child that threatened your son should be expelled, and the parents notified as to why. This kind of behavior at a place where children should feel SAFE is completely unacceptable. It doesn't matter what your particular religion is, and whether the VP agrees with them or not. He should treat every child under his care and supervision with the same respect that he would demand if it were his own child. I would go above his head to the superintendent, and try to get him either fired or suspended. This behavior should NOT be seen as acceptable, and it may be up to you to make sure it is seen as such. Praying for your situation, and I sincerely hope it gets resolved! Good luck!

Jessi - posted on 03/06/2013

Wow. Just... wow. Where on earth do you live? Where I'm from, that would get a teacher fired immediately. I can't believe there are still places in this part of the world tolerate that! I don't know if you have a choice, but if you do, I would seriously consider taking him to a different school.

I don't know what religion you are, but it doesn't really matter, because that is your own personal choice and no one has the right to tell you that you are wrong, or harass you or your child. If you have not, I would ask to speak to the vice principal, and then you can kindly remind him that - according to his religion - it is a sin to judge other people. According to the bible, we must love one another, no matter our differences. And it is WRONG to force your religion on someone else. He`s not `saving` anyone by belittling them and making them feel like a criminal for something that`s none of his business!

I am in complete shock. Like... how? Why? I'm so fricken outraged on your behalf. If I were you, I would seriously consider trying to get that vice principal fired. A teacher in the high school I went to got in a pile of sh*t for mentioning their religion (not even in a bad way, just bringing up the subject), never mind trying to push it on someone else and bullying them about it! Unless your child is going to a special religion-based school, it is totally inappropriate to bring up that kind of subject! I'm appalled!

Also, licks? That's still allowed at the school your child is attending? Crazy! I thought that had been banned and made illegal!

Seriously though, where do you live? Where is your child going to school? Bullying is totally unacceptable, and threatening to STAB someone is ridiculous! I`m amazed that child didn`t get a suspension! Or a warning for expulsion! I want to start a fricken petition to get that principal fired! That is just disgusting!

I don`t really know what to say otherwise. I wouldn`t want my kid going to school at a place like that either! Just... I dunno, make sure he knows there`s nothing wrong with him or what he believes in, and that everyone that matters loves him and accepts him for who he is.

Bah! This is so crazy! I won`t be able to stop thinking about this! Seriously you should bring this to the attention of the authorities, or maybe tell the paper or something! I want so bad to punch that principal in the face right now!!!

Michelle - posted on 03/06/2013

Not sure where this is occurring but here in Canada, you can actually call the children's aid society and have the school or person involved investigated. If its happening in America well try contacting CPS and see if they will go to the school and check into the principal. Just an idea. Or change him schools altogether.

Lauraine - posted on 03/06/2013

Good point about the country, here we are going on about civil liberties and freedom when we are not sure if this happened in America or else where.. Regardless though, a school should be held accountable for threats made against another child.

Tersia - posted on 03/06/2013

Report the abuse he has a right to be who he wants to be dont wait do it now

Michelle - posted on 03/06/2013

I would rule out the vice principle and go straight above him and also involve the police this is harassment it's not good enough I would also pull him out of the school....bullying in any way or form is unacceptable xxx

And what a wonderful role model he should be sacked x

Denise - posted on 03/05/2013

I agree with Megan and several other moms that have posted stating they are Christians ...I also am a believer in Jesus Christ and as a Christian we meaning myself my family and those I know are taught according to the bible to love as Christ loved he was not a respect or od persons,race color creed,rich or poor believer or non belief, he LOVED US ALL! That being said that is no excuse for being bullied and his life threatened, then facing the prejudice of the vice principal both of them claiming to be Christians. N your son is a precious child and needs to be treated as such. Starting with removing the problems the bully needs to be expelled the VP fired school board notified the news alerted all avenues explored. According to those who have replied we all agree good luck, may you find the people you deal with be peaceful loving understanding and take quick action to end this ASAP. ( just a quick note to the lady who commented that she isn't a non believer or a believer just spiritual because a loving God would not allow all the awful thing happening to children to go on, I would asked you to consider/ponder my thought on that (knowing we all are I titled to our own beliefs) G od a very loving God but man was given free will and with that we all face thousand of choices daily both good and bad , multiply that by all people through out the years adds up to a lot of bad choices having been made and continue to be made. It's called widely sin.... And according to God that makes a lot of bed thing to go on and happen its not God doing those things it's the choices made by man over the years that have brought this and those awful things to occur. But should we allow him God is there to comfort us lead us safely through these and other horrors coming to this world ) I am not passing judgement or trying to convert just saying what I have found out through my years ....knowing others may have found and or believe differently all I'm saying is I read and respected your post could you ponder my thought for a few minutes. Thank you standing up for Christ, the right of others to believe as they wish, standing against bulling of any kind , and making sure we all are given and shown the respect deserved and earned. Thanks for reading my post.

Maegen - posted on 03/05/2013

I'm sorry that your son has had to endure that. True Christians don't act that way. I'd take my kid to another school. And report the vice-principal too.

Kris - posted on 03/05/2013

I'd go with documenting exactly what happened and when, pulling your child out immediately, and suing the school. N O T okay. You're fine; they're nuts.

Kathy - posted on 03/05/2013

Why would he believe in God or even consider he wanted to serve a God that allowed this to happen to Him, in God's name. Again all things in love We share different beliefs but I respect your right to have them.

Kathy - posted on 03/05/2013

Even though I am a follower of Jesus Christ I definitely do not believe in what these kids and principle are putting your child through. Bullying because of someones religion/faith to me is a hate crime and should not be tolerated...........Report it to the superintendent of schools, move him to another district; although that is not fair to him as he is not the one at fault here. Another recourse you may have is contact the ACLU as this applies to his rights in our country being removed. I may be a Christian which most of us believe in all things should be done in love; what happened is not showing love on any level. I wish the best to you and your son.

Wendy - posted on 03/05/2013

Transfer your son to another school and make a report aganist the principle for their actions towards your son. Mention that your son was being bullied by students and harrassed by his principle because of your religion forcing him to switch belief. I feel that is none of the principles business about a students religion, they should worried about their students being bullied by other students and leave religion out of and respect your beliefs...So if you love your son and care for his safety transfer him ASAP!

Mel - posted on 03/05/2013

Come to Australia. He'll fit in perfectly. Religion rules too many ppl in the states and has everyone brain washed.. Im sorry your son is going through this. He has every right to believe or not believe what he wants. Definitely time to go over the school or move him to a new one.

Leanne - posted on 03/05/2013

i have no idea why whatever religion your son practices (i think what's happening here has more to do with what he DOESN'T believe or practice!) should even be an issue! take it to the principal, the superintendent, the school board, and consult a lawyer. you may also want to investigate trying to get him into another school, through a choice program, or perhaps a charter, if that option is available in your area.

please know that we're here to support you however we can. if you are in the United States, and your son attends a public school, it is ILLEGAL for the vice-principal to behave in such a manner. i'm outraged, as a parent and as an educator, and hope that you and your family can overcome this nonsense. we're sending you positive vibes. good luck.

Liz - posted on 03/05/2013

Religion should be discussed in class because that is our history. Whether or not the child believes in God is at his or her discretion. No one should be condemned for how they believe. What the vice principal did was wrong and what the children did was wrong. People need to show compassion. Living where I live we are faced with different religions, beliefs and up bring. We have Catholics, Muslims, Protestant, believers and non. We all seem to get along. Report the abuse and make it known. It should not be tolerated. As for learning about religions, it needs to be taught no matter what school you are in be it public or private. It is part of history and lets face it, with out the Jesuits, we would not have had written history. So accept and move on

Alicia - posted on 03/05/2013

Sounds like you need legal support!! Email me at alicialegalshield@gmail.com

Mindy - posted on 03/05/2013

So, I read a little further and saw that you live in Louisiana. I googled the laws on corporal punishment for your state. I had no idea that it was legal in any state to spank a child in school. I think that is why many people here had a hard time believing this post was legit, including me.
For the real issue, I find it appalling that your son is going through this in a public school, or any school for that matter. On behalf of all non bigoted Christians, I apologize for the behavior of these so called "Christians".
Best to you and your family. I hope you can find some suitable resolution.

Tracy - posted on 03/05/2013

this is America and anyone can believe in whatever religion they want, go to the principal and tell him that is the vice principal does not respect your religion can continue to harass your son you will call the police and press charges for harassment and a hate crime it's against the law in this country freedom of religion.

Lorrie - posted on 03/05/2013

I don't know what school your child attends but where we live the anti-bulling laws are so much inforced that both my daughter and another girl both were suspended for a pushing match (even though they were friends again by time they were called to the office). I totally agreed with the punishment. They are in 5th grade.
I believe my gaughter has the right to voice her religeouse (sp?) opinions but not push them or threaten other children over them. Go to the principal, superintendand, board of ed. If you get no where with them than file an official report with the police for your childs life being threatened. Take it to the newspapers. Switch schools. Do whatever you have too in order to keep your child safe!
God luck and God Bless

Mindy - posted on 03/05/2013

2 licks??? Really??? Again, where in the world do you live?

Tammy - posted on 03/05/2013

If this is a public school I find it hard to believe a principle would do that. Schools are so liberal now a days. There's always homeschooling. Many christain children have to homeschool now a days because they are the ones being mistreated.

Denise - posted on 03/05/2013

I'm so sorry for your son having to go through this as previous posters have suggested go above the VP and possibly change schools if you get no help. I had a kinda of similar thing happen to my son when he was in the 6th grade oh about 16 years ago his teacher was of a different race and religion ( my children were taught to respect others regardless color or religion) she wanted to teach on black history month ok that's fine and then she wanted them to write a paper about being Muslim not ok. My son stated that it went against his beliefs and he wasn't supposed to talk about his beliefs so why did he have to do a paper on hers. I went to the teacher, the principal, and threatened the school board and the news. The teaching on religion stopped after the paper was done and graded but she conceded and allowed my son to write his paper on the point of being a Christian in a world of Muslims. Still didn't make me happy but that was years ago. She wasn't allowed to bring her religion up any longer or teach it in class because it does spawn hate and discontent among those in the class and children do judge others. Also ask quietly among the other parents to see if any of them are having the same bulling problem no matter what it is about it shouldn't be allowed.

Phyllis - posted on 03/05/2013

I noticed someone said they would pray for the boy. Why would someone who does not believe in God want someone praying for him?

Vao - posted on 03/05/2013

That is horrible what your son is going through, but this is why religion and politics is not mentioned or discussed in public places - it always cause problems. How did the school find out about your sons religion anyway? I would file a report with the police, no use going any further with the school if the principal is behaving just as bad. Or remove him from that school altogether.

Liz - posted on 03/05/2013

no matter what religion your son is he should want to go to school and he has the right to be there the same as every other child there. if it gets to bad is there another school in you area you could send him to?

i know you should not have to move your son but if it makes him fell better and happier about going to school then i would look into it

Lavern - posted on 03/05/2013

Regardless of what religion you are teaching your son, you and your son have a fundamental right as American citizens to tp not face harrasment based on your religion. I would recommend contacting the principal of your son's school, the superintendant of your son's school district, AND the school board. It would be in your best interest to involve all three parties.

First, meet with the principal outlining the problem/issues your son is facing and be sure to emphasize the US Constitution and your families fundamental rights to freedom of religion. Write a letter to the principal, the superintendant, and the school board outlining the meeting with the principal and what you expect to happen on behalf of your son and his ability to to go school and not face undue harrasement.

Unless you have enrolled your child in a private/religious based school, you will get action. If not, next, contact the US Department of Education, you know, the one in Washington, DC, and provide them with a copy of your letter and the issues your son is facing at that school. You will definately get action on behalf of your son.

Maura - posted on 03/05/2013

My first question would be what country you are in, and I only ask because in the US there are no "licks" allowed in school. That being said a belief or non-belief in God gives no one the right to judge, bully or attempt to convert.

I would go to the highest authority in your school, or school system. Obviously some people are ignorant of what they don't understand but gives them no right to judge based on your beliefs

Kelly - posted on 03/05/2013

I chose my childs school very carefully for religious reasons. It can be very difficult for a child to be "different". I understand how he feels. I think you should take this further, contact your local radio station, newspapers... These things happen unfortunately, Here in South africa we recently had a similar issue with a young muslim child wearing a scarf on her head. Rules in SA government schools say as long as it is the school colours and not completely hiding the face it is ok... but some private schools have had issues...
Honestly it is hard for everyone to respect everyone... we are all different and by being different we challenge other peoples belief systems. Some people are not comfortable with these challenges.
Give your son a hello from SA, let him know he isnt alone with his feelings and I am wishing him well.

But as far as human rights go, you should take this to the education board... maybe starting with your school board at their next AGM or PTA.

Shellie - posted on 03/05/2013

Home educate your son:

Kyrie - posted on 03/05/2013

Laura, are you ignorant or just a troll? There are more religious stances than just atheism and christianity. There are about 2,000 gods. I, for one, am an Agnostic Buddhist.

Laura - posted on 03/05/2013

I get the feeling the poster is trying to stir up anti-Christian sentiment. Atheism is not a religion it's an absence thereof.

Lakota - posted on 03/05/2013

I saw where someone stated that Hollie is atheist. But, I didn't see where she said her kid goes to a Christian school or not. Surely she knows better than to have her atheist son at a Christian school. If not, then what did she expect?

Sue - posted on 03/05/2013

It is no one elses business what religion you are and they should not be bullying him at all. The principal is definitely in the wrong by doing what he did and should be repremanded for it.

Heather - posted on 03/05/2013

I am stunned at this behavior in this day and age. Is this a private school? A religious school? Such behavior has NO place in the Unted States. "2 licks"? What does that mean? Does this school also practice corporal punishment. Great way to tell a kid not to stab someone - hurt them instead? What on earth is going on here? If this is the public school I would go to the superintendent of schools and/or the school board and voice your complaints. If that doesn't work, go to the ACLU. This is unconstitutional in a public school today. If this is not a public school, I would remove your child ASAP if that is an option for you.

No religion should be discriminated again. I would be curious to know what religion is being addressed in such a manor?

Tammy - posted on 03/05/2013

Do not run from this. This country was found on freedom of religion for one of many things. And yes the VP is in the wrong, he needs to be fired!!! Go to the Principal, or/and Board of Education, and to the Police and if that does not do it keep fighting do like the other's have said go to the news. The pledge of Allegiance was taken out of the schools cause Religion was not to be in school so these people need to leave your son alone!! Good luck hun!

Keisha - posted on 03/05/2013

I personally do not believe in 'licks' which I am assuming is a paddling of some sort? I wouldn't place my son in a school that allowed that. That is just my personal preference, however, that aside, NO school should ever let such things be said to your son. The VP is wrong, and I'm sure that what he said/did is against some rules. Go to the newspapers, and the tv stations. Go to your superintendent! No one should be persecuted for their religion!!!

Erika - posted on 03/05/2013

Call your local news ASAP!

Eunice - posted on 03/05/2013

I agree with this comment. Don't run from trouble meet it head on. You have to teach your son to stand for his belief but ensure his safety will fighting this fight. He has the right to enjoy life liberty and happiness which includes his beliefs. Pulling him out of school is the easy answer and it does not change the thought pattern or actions of the so call responsible adults in that school. That school's culture has to change. And there is no time better to do this than now