New Jersey Schools Response to Allegation of Christian Terrorists

In a rather weak response, the Burlington Township School District issued a statement regarding their recent hostage drill.  Last week, the Burlington Township School District, in conjunction with its local police department, conducted a mock hostage-taking.  The perpetrators of the hostage-taking were allegedly right-wing fundamentalists who were concerned about the separation of church and state.  In fact, the precipitating event in this mock drill was that the daughter of one of the right-wing fundamentalist group members was suspended for praying before the school day.  This mock hostage-taking is an outrage! 

What is equally outrageous is the weak response of the school officials to the concern that has been raised.  We have received thousands of phone calls over the last 24 hours from our friends and members expressing outrage at the School District.  We have also received calls from individuals who live in Burlington Township.  Christian students have complained about this portrayal of Christians as mock hostage-takers. 

The School District issued a belated statement saying that they knew there were concerns raised by the exercise, and that any perceived insensitivities to our religious community as a result of the emergency exercises are regrettable.  The fact that the School District said any perceived insensitivities is as outrageous as their allowing the exercise to take place portraying Christians in such a negative light.  Although the School District went on to say that the perceived insensitivities to our religious community as a result of the emergency exercises are regrettable, that is not enough.   A public apology is in order, where the School District clearly states that this was an inappropriate portrayal of Christians and that it will never happen again.

We are continuing in our efforts and will keep everybody posted as this matter progresses.