Victory in Florida Middle School

Last Friday, we learned that a middle school student in Tampa, Florida had his Bible confiscated from him by a teacher.  The teacher did not call to inform the students parents of the situation nor discuss any consequential disciplinary action. As we understand, the teacher also told the student that bringing a Bible to school was against school rules.

This Tuesday, the students mother went to the school to pick up her sons Bible, but no school official was available to speak with the parent regarding the matter. The mother left several messages for the Assistant Principal and Principal. The students father wrote a letter and sent it to school with his son to give to his teacher.  An email letter was also sent to the Principal, Assistant Principal, and teacher.  However, all attempts to address the matter went unanswered.  The student continued to take his Bible to school but was afraid to take it out of his book-bag and read it for fear of getting in trouble again.  

The students mother contacted the ACLJ on Wednesday evening.  We advised her by telephone with regard to her childs constitutional right to bring his Bible to school to read during appropriate times. We also advised this parent how to proceed in discussing the matter with the Principal and teacher and provided her with our website materials to share with school officials.  Had the parent not received an immediate response, we would have contacted the schools attorney.  However, we were pleased to find out today, Feb. 8, that the matter was quickly resolved.  School officials expressed their understanding of this students right not only to bring his Bible to school, but his ability to read it on school property during appropriate times.  The parents and student expressed their satisfaction with the outcome and are grateful for the ACLJs support and assistance.