Meeting Public Comments

Allison Pin

I strongly oppose SF510. This completely disregards the foundation of what our Constitution was built on separation of church and state. I quote Thomas Jefferson "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State." In no way are we going to force others to practice religious beliefs that is not their own and especially in our schools. Why does it matter? That is just ridiculous, inconsiderate of others who don't read the Bible (sorry it's not the center of everyone's lives!) and if anything, completely missing the concept of even what Christianity is. If you truly want to be a good Christian, look at yourself in the mirror and evaluate what is truly worth focusing on in our states. Making sure we're making PUBLIC education equitable for all. And that starts with making the school environment safe and accepting for EVERYONE. Because all you're doing is alienating and harming more people than helping them.

Teresa Wellman

Im wholly OPPOSED to SF 510. It flies in the face of the US Constitution: the First Amendments Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause combine to prevent government endorsement of religion and protect individual religious practice. Allowing elective Bible classes in public schools is wrong. It is not neutral. Its uses public tax dollars to set up, teach, and administrate an elective course. Just offering these sorts of bills is divisive and serve no constructive purpose in our public schools. We have no shortage of churches and youth programs for religious teaching in our communities. Let religious studies stay in churches.

Natalie P

AGAINST. This bill is an abomination. Let the trained experts vet the curricula. (Local lawmakers are not trained experts.) Separation of church and state is ESSENTIAL. Keep religious dogma out of public schools.

Grace Rogers

AGAINST. This bill elevates Christian scripture through statute, claims biblical knowledge is a prerequisite for understanding society and public policy, blurs the line between public education and religious instruction, risks marginalizing nonreligious and minorityfaith students and creates legal and administrative risks for school districts. Im glad to see at least the school board has the power to deny a course. Guess thats why local elections matter

Anastasia Bender

Senators, Im writing to oppose SF 510. Adding a course on Christian faith (Hebrew bible/Old Testament and New Testament) is exclusive of many students in the school system. Public education should be for all students regardless of faith life. Existing institutions within our communities churches, mosques, synagogues fill this need and without requiring tax payer dollars to fund.Please do not pass this file as it infringes upon the separation of church and state laid down by this countrys founders. Thank you for your time.

Kris Ruddy

Vote against this bill!

Casey Reints

I am against this bill which elevates and prioritizes one religion over others.