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Harassing Teacher

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Date of posting: 2009-01-29 19:44:28
Page Views: 5813
Dispute with: A Business, Company, or Store
Amount: I just want Justice
Description: I have a teacher who I have had problems with many times and I am sick of it. This teacher indirectly preaches Christianity to her students by making a reference to Jesus at least once every three days, and she has also called Christianity the "correct religion" a few times. She also harasses students with other religions besides Christianity (i.e, she will harass me and one other Jewish student in the class daily).

I have given her a verbal warning saying that I am not O.K. with this and that I will take drastic measures. She agrees to stop but then preaches to her classes again.

I have talked to one of the Vice Principals about the situation and she does not think of it as anything.

Public schools are funded by taxes paid by the public which is (almost) everyone in the USA, so if they preach Christianity they have to preach all religions, right?

I'm tempted to call this a class action suit because it involves many students who have been harassed by the same teacher...

The only thing, though, is that I would feel really shitty about suing a public school... what should I do?
Zipcode: 95608
City: Carmichael
State: California

Comments

rg 4 months, 1 week ago

I am trying to find out if this is the same teacher who is still teaching in the San Juan unified schools system? Still harassing certain students which she picks out and tries to mess up their progress of education, she has the belief that no one should be better than her daughter, but she is very religious towards Christianity and no one else is worthy?

michael 10 months, 3 weeks ago

david friendly needs a life. your teacher deserves whatever she gets. I found this website because I'm going to sue my teacher too.

Natia 11 months, 1 week ago

What do I do about a verbally abusive teacher? My son is an honor roll student and is being intimidated, bullied, & yelled at along with the rest of the class. I was thinking about secretly audio taping the class as proof to take to the principal, who currently won't do anything. Or sending it to CNN / Fox News?

Natia 11 months, 1 week ago

What do I do about a verbally abusive teacher? My son is an honor roll student and is being intimidated, bullied, & yelled at along with the rest of the class. I was thinking about secretly audio taping the class as proof to take to the principal, who currently won't do anything. Or sending it to CNN / Fox News?

teacher K 1 year, 6 months ago

You don't have a case against the school. The school did not hurt you. Unfortunately it is your word against hers. She is allowed to teach religion (all of them) and her opinions should not be a part of her lessons. It is unfortunate (if this is the case) that this is happening. The only thing you can do is ask the right questions without a tone or sarcasm in your voice. Be smart about it. Quote the constitution and ask if she disagrees with it. Prompt an intellectual converstaion. Don't threaten. Nothing will come of it. TRUST ME.

jlogelin 1 year, 6 months ago

Good for you. I am delighted to hear that you've invoked some fear into that teacher. The balance of power is shifting in your direction. You don't have to put up with any of that preachy Flying Spaghetti Monster bullshit in a public institution. I am seriously hoping that your teacher gets canned. It's time to send a message. Fight the good fight, the time of human enlightenment is upon us.

Sue 1 year, 6 months ago

Thanks. It is people like you that keep attorneys like me in business.

David Friendly 1 year, 6 months ago

Dear student below I urge you to examine your heart and ask yourself why you are filing a class action suit. Aren't there more serious matters in this world to attend to. You sound highly intelligent to me. How do your teacher's comments hurt you. If you really don't like her comments you can surely ignore them. It's not as though your teacher is introducing you to something evil. Christianity is about love and peace and forgiveness. These are good things. Why are you so reluctant to hear about these positive things? Do you really want to live in a world where promoting love and peace is considered some kind of crime? I am asking you this in all sincerity. Please can you answer me. May God be with you. Dave Friendly

the student above 1 year, 7 months ago

I now think suing is a little premature at this point too... I'm going to see what she does from now on and the next time I even think she is making a harassing comment, I'm filing a class action suit. Thanks to all who support me, I appreciate it. To all who don't, I respect your opinions, except for those of you who told me to go get gassed.

The student above 1 year, 7 months ago

Alright, this is the student. 1. I am 99% sure hidden camcorder can not be counted as viable evidence... 2. Now she is kissing my ass... she knows what I can do... 3. I have some friends that are lawyers but thanks for offering. 4. Harassing by calling my religion satanists and calling hers the correct religion, etc. 5. David Friendly, really? why bother post? 6. @Sue, I know people who have gone to court over a $200 Ipod, I think a rights issue is court worthy, thanks.

youareallidiots 1 year, 7 months ago

Tell your teacher that you are Jesus and ask that she bow down before her savior and prepare for rapture. That always works.

Jim 1 year, 7 months ago

Hidden camcorder+public scrutiny+ ACLU+YouTube.

Darwin 1 year, 7 months ago

I understand that you may only believe in yourself, but that doesn't mean you should deny others to the right of Gods Word. This is "One Nation Under God", and "In God We Trust". Deal with it, this is a Christian nation, you're in the minority. Maybe if more Jesus was taught in schools, and less sex education and "science" theories like evolution, we would have less teenage pregnancies and violence in our public school system. And NO not all religions should be taught. There's only one true religion, the message Christ, the message of the God, the Bible. You should learn to embrace it or you risk going to hell. I will pray for you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oh, of course, because sex education doesn't help teah kids how to have safe sex, thereby avoiding pregancies. This is a Cristian Nation? What's your evidence of that? I don't see any favourites here. Less science? Really? Ok, you know what, because evolution is just a theory, we should also denounce all science theories. Like gravity. And how to treat sicknesses. You make me sick. "'science' theories like evolution"? Really? Evolution is still going on. And it always will. And why would atheists go to hell? Why? I do everything to do right, I just don't believe in god. So what? So I go to hell along with hitler? Does that seem like something a caring god would do? Only one true religion? What's the evidence of this? What makes it true? Oh, btw, why shouldn't gays get married?

Jason 1 year, 7 months ago

Get a 60 minute Flip Video mini camera ($129) so you can record each class w/o making it obvious what you are doing. Collect this as evidence for the lawsuit.

David Friendly 1 year, 7 months ago

I would be seriously worried about associating yourself with the people on this forum. They are so filled with hatred. Take Lucy Furer about 3 or 4 posts down who wants to gas Christians. Others use milder language but the hatred and desire for revenge is still there. Jesus said we should forgive our enemies. I urge you to forgive this woman and to not carry the poison of hatred in your heart. Peace be with you all.

Matt 1 year, 7 months ago

I suggest talking with your VP's again and demand that they take action before you sue the school. If nothing happens, contact Freedom From Religion Foundation, the ACLU, and other separation from church and state groups for advice. Public money should not be used proselytizing or harassing students.

anti ignorant 1 year, 7 months ago

Lucy Furer: 2 things 1 I assume you were trying to spell "Fuhrer". It has an h in it 2. you forgot to add "white pauuur" (in a redneck voice) at the end. I disagree with the religious zealots, but you seem to be even more ignorant. Please do yourself a favor and STFU

Lucy Furer 1 year, 7 months ago

Hitler had the right idea putting the Jews on the trains. I just wish he had done it with the Christians like David Werchowski as well (wouldn't have been that hard with that name, xtian or not!) FUCK RELIGION. All you evangelical bastards should be gassed.

David Werchowski 1 year, 7 months ago

I understand that you may only believe in yourself, but that doesn't mean you should deny others to the right of Gods Word. This is "One Nation Under God", and "In God We Trust". Deal with it, this is a Christian nation, you're in the minority. Maybe if more Jesus was taught in schools, and less sex education and "science" theories like evolution, we would have less teenage pregnancies and violence in our public school system. And NO not all religions should be taught. There's only one true religion, the message Christ, the message of the God, the Bible. You should learn to embrace it or you risk going to hell. I will pray for you.

Sue 1 year, 7 months ago

Thank God for the FFRF.

t 1 year, 7 months ago

What is your relation to the teacher? how has this effected you. You might not be one of the best individuals to pursue this if you are not a student in the class or their guardian. You might be denied standing.

Anonz 1 year, 7 months ago

A hidden camcorder can do wonders.

Pile 1 year, 7 months ago

Contact the Freedom From Religion Foundation (http://ffrf.org) - they will take on your case.

Sue 1 year, 7 months ago

Fortunately, the First Ammendment protects both Mark's and David Friendly's right to free speech.

Mark 1 year, 7 months ago

You should never, EVER, listen to David Friendly's advice.

David Friendly 1 year, 7 months ago

Why not become a Christian and then your teacher's comments won't be so troubling. Also as a Christian you will learn to be more forgiving, so that is another reason why it is a good move. Christianity is about peace and love and forgiveness. These are all good things. Surely you need to encourage your teacher, not try to silence her.

mathdev 1 year, 7 months ago

Take your parents in with quotes from her and hopefully audio and approach the school board about her behavior. This should not be accepted in a public school. She can teach at a catholic school. Sure she'd make less money, but at least she could openly indoctrinate students in her personal views.

p 1 year, 7 months ago

write down in detail everything you can remember she said EXACTLY. i dont think recording it is legal without her consent.

Anon 1 year, 7 months ago

Make a deliberate and loud scene next time it occurs.

SF 1 year, 7 months ago

Sue the teacher, not the school. If she is unionised they may aid her.

Yarbles 1 year, 7 months ago

If you don't take a stand against this kind of ignorance and intolerance, then your teacher will get progressively worse until she is actively persecuting students. Suing is premature at this point - take it to the School Board first.

Anon 1 year, 7 months ago

ACLU

Tyler 1 year, 7 months ago

I would disagree that you should immediately sue. You should set up an appointment with the Principal. If that does not work, you should take your concerns to the School Board. If the teacher still continues in any of the described behavior, only then should you sue. You have used some of your avenues; now use the rest.

Sue 1 year, 7 months ago

Is using the word Jesus "preaching"? Have you ever read the Constitution? Do you know what the First Ammendment is?

Adam 1 year, 7 months ago

"You can teach Satanism for all I care. I'm not anti-Muslim. I'm not anti-Jewish. Everyone has protection of the First Ammendment." This has nothing to do with the first amendment. If you're a public institution, you can't preach religion. Period.

Nerdz 1 year, 7 months ago

Separation of church and state. Pursue this with the ACLU!

Sue 1 year, 7 months ago

You can teach Satanism for all I care. I'm not anti-Muslim. I'm not anti-Jewish. Everyone has protection of the First Ammendment.

Jeff 1 year, 7 months ago

The tone of the comments is interesting. If it were a Muslim teacher doing the same thing there would be outrage. "It's only wrong when THEY do it." Even if you don't sue, at least take it to the school board (don't bother with the principal). If they see a potential lawsuit, they may take action.

Sue 1 year, 7 months ago

Sure, sue. That always accomplishes something. And besides, lawsuits don't cost anything and the courts have nothing else to do. There isn't any crime in California, is there? The teacher doesn't have any First Ammendment rights, does she? Why don't you talk to your elected school board, or better yet, first talk to your parents? Brian has a reasonable question: you say she is harassing you, how is she doing this?

John 1 year, 7 months ago

How about just get your education which is the most important part..trust me. It helps later on in life than some teacher saying Jesus.

Muyuu 1 year, 7 months ago

Sue +1 Seek help and sue. See comment by Chris.

Brian Schneider's Mind 1 year, 7 months ago

Hi my name is Brian Schneider and I post comments on things that I've never read. I also like to ask questions that have obvious answers to them. Please ignore me.

Chris 1 year, 7 months ago

Just call the ACLU, they'll tell you where to go from here, this is their specialty. Also, just telling them that you're going to contact the ACLU will probably make them take some action on their own, these kind of people are terrified of them. http://www.aclu.org/affiliates/californianorthern.html ACLU of Northern California Interim Executive Director: John Crew 39 Drumm Street San Francisco, CA 94111-4805 Phone: 415-621-2488 Fax: 415-255-1478

jlogelin 1 year, 7 months ago

You have to pursue this legally. You have gone through the right channels and given the school administration every opportunity to correct the situation. I do understand that you don't want to jeopardize your school, but quite frankly, it is your duty as a free thinking individual to stand up for those can't or won't. Be strong. You are not being treated right. (in fact, what you are experiencing is illegal) Also remember, suing your school does not necessarily mean financial compensation. Essentially, it just moves the ball into your court and gives you some real power to make a change. Very necessary change in this case. I will be rooting for you.

Switch 1 year, 7 months ago

If you've already spoken to her and her superiors and the behavior continues, legal action is the way to go. Make sure to document the occurences though. Keep a log of what she says and when. If you can provide evidence of a consistent trend and of your requests being ignored (log those too) you should have an easy case. Ask the ACLU to draft you a letter -- they eat this shit up. As far as suing a school -- you can simply go for a judgement sans damages. If you get cash, you can give back whatever award you recieve. Hell, you can add stipulations if you like and have the school use it to get a class on the constitution and separation of church and state. Good luck

Brian Schneider 1 year, 7 months ago

How is she harassing you?

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