MizzusKat

I hesitate to write this because I figure I'll get a bunch of nasty replies, telling me I'm some sort of nut case. PLEASE let me just vent my personal opinion and don't call me nasty names, y'all! I don't have anyone else to talk to about this right this minute and need to say what's on my heart. If you don't agree, PLEASE don't make my problem worse by beating me up. I'm here looking for some friends, not new enemies.

Any way, here is what's up: Yesterday, my middle school aged son brought home a note from school, saying he will be REQUIRED to read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Zach, himself, made the decision a while back that he feels the books are incompatible with what he believes about the Bible and what the God says about the glorification of witchcraft. Yes, I KNOW that many people think these books are great--we don't happen to agree and feel that my son should have the right to express his OWN faith beliefs and say when HE feels something isn't in keeping with his personal values. The teacher says she will let him read something else BUT sent me a snippy e-mail that basically let me know she thinks we're crazy. I know class will be very hard for my son since he has chosen to stand up for his beliefs.

We are SO proud of him for making his own choices, but know this will cost him friends and the cooperation of his teacher. With so many great classical books out there for kids to read, I don't know WHY this teacher chose one that is controversial. We don't want to take the book away from anyone who DOES what to read it, but WHY does it have to be required reading when there are many, many other GREAT books out there that the kids haven't even been encouraged to read--ever hear of "Moby Dick" or "Tom Sawyer" or "Robinson Caruso?" WHY does it have to be "Potter??"

Any way, we are waiting to see what this will cost him. I just pray that Zach will find something positive in this experience of standing up for his personal beliefs. He is usually the type of kid who just "goes along with the crowd" so this is really out of character for him. He is a great kid and we're SO proud of him. We know God is, too.

As I said, if you are a big "Harry Potter" fan, I mean no offence and BEG you not to waste your time writing me ugly letters about why Harry is awesome. If, however, you have problems with this series as we do, I could SURE use some moral support right now.

God bless and keep you all,

Kat

captorquewrench

in most cases, you have to right to approach the school district/board to request alternative instruction if you disagree, such as teaching evolution. i am almost certain you'd have the same rights in this situation. contact your district admininstration on the proper course of action and appeals.

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NINK

yes, i agree with cap., i think they are required by law to make adjustments for religious beliefs, i mean there were kids in my school who did not say the pledge because they did not believe in God, and there were kids in my high school that were excused from home room because they met and prayed. some kids don't cut up the animals in biology because of animal rights.

on another note, every book is contraversial to some one, any book the teacher ever picks is hated by one parent for some reason or another. i have been a teacheer aid and volunteer and my grandma tuaght school my whole life up until she retired a couple years ago. she probably thought harry was way less contraversial than the old favorites. on a non christian level harry books are well writen with great uses of symbolism and really make readers think. that is why it gets read in schools and recomended for young readers to get them interested in reading. we personally are christians, and we also watch harry potter movies. because to us it has nothing to do with religion, it is just a story, just fiction, just something fun to watch, is not going to surupt us or anything. but i admire your son, if he personaly feels it is against his religion and he stood up for him self that is awesome. and if he gets to feeling bad, remind him of shadrack, meshack and bendigo, or even daniel. they stood up for thier beliefs and God was with them!

Taegus

While I do not agree with your opinion of the books or of Witchcraft, I do WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with your stance. I admire your son for standing up for what he believes in! This world is big enough for all of us and all of our beliefs without anyone having to bend to the beliefs of another - as long as you hurt no one else with actions based on the beliefs.

I, personally, like the Harry Potter books, not because they are an acurate portrayal of Wizadry or Witchcraft, but because I find them entertaining. However, if I were REQUIRED to read a book on a subject that goes against my beliefs (Perhaps something by David Duke on why whites are better than everyone else)I would be greatly offended that I was REQUIRED to read it. I would also stand up for my rights!

BRAVO for Zach for taking a stand and BRAVO for you for supporting him! Hooray for the school for allowing him to choose an alternate assignment! BOO for the teacher who tried to make you feel bad for the choices you made!

FULL SUPPORT FROM ME !!!! (Not that it makes much of a difference )

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Kelsey1224

First of all, I am a Christian and LOVE the Harry Potter books. They are brilliantly written and the storylines are incredible. I read then as the fiction that they are intended to be. However...that is my belief and I would never presume to push my beliefs on yours.

You have every right to be proud of your son. I also think you need to schedule a meeting with the principal immediately. I would also bring a copy of the e-mail you received. You and your family are not alone in objecting to this series...and even though it isn't necessarily a popular opinion...you and your son should not be made to feel "crazy" because of your opinion.

If the principal does not give you satisfaction...then go to the superintendent of schools. Your son has taken a stand and you need to show him that you are willing to take one as well.

I'm sorry that your son thinks he will lose friends because of his Christian stance. Unfortunately, it is a lesson that he is learning very young.

But again...good for him!!!

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zitra

What she said

cindylee

Here ya go, model copy of a letter you can send to the school protecting your rights as a parent under the Hatch Amendment. Send the letter certified so they can't say they didn't get it from you.

http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/Educa..._amendment.htm

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TxWildCherry

i am a harry potter fan and i can understand you childs belief as my son had to stand up for himself in front of the school board about a book that the teacher told him he to read also and this book included swear words and adult situations that a 7th grader should not be reading and he won and the teacher had to give him another book to read the school board is looking down their noses at the teacher now and tell your son go with your heart and do what you feel is right he should not be forced to read a book he does not want to

ckerr4

As a point of reference, the OP may want to discuss the teacher's attitude or reply with her superiors, but there is no need to request alternate reading material, as she stated it was already given.

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TxWildCherry

MizzusKat
on the alternative book is that of her choosing or your sons the teacher may also become a harsher grader as my sons teacher now has and his grade reflects it

sahm2

Just something to think about: a lot of people find the bible to be contraversial. Most people would never encourage their child to read any other book that had that much sex and violence in it. There are a lot of parts of the bible that we skip when we read it.

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