Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
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Sunday, August 6, 2006
“Infidel books” here in the Midwest?
A ban on teaching “sectarian, infidel, or immoral doctrine” and “infidel books” forbidden? No, it’s not Taliban Afganistan.
It’s just over the Ohio River in Kentucky.
And it’s state law.
My pal Frank Lockwood, a fine reporter who blogs about religion for the Lexington Herald-Leader at Bible Belt Blogger, unearthed a Kentucky state law from the 1800s that is still on the books and still in effect.
Seems harmless enough, right? Ohio has its own bizarre, old laws that are not enforced and practically irrelevant. And in fact, sections of Kentucky’s law require instruction in the Bible, allow the teaching of Biblical creation and permit the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in public school, all specifically struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court and, therefore, unenforceable.
Yet, as Frank writes, the Kentucky School Boards Association recommends districts follow this law. And Frank has a guest post from Constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein calling on the Kentucky Legislature to repeal the law. Fein says Kentucky lawmakers are “stunting public education” by not taking action.
Take a look at what Frank and Fein have to say and then answer this question — are old laws like this something to chuckle at, or is serious action required?
(Image credit: www.bookthink.com)
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School starts in the Miami Valley
UPDATE: Since this list first ran a few weeks ago, I’ve corrected Miamisburg to Aug. 23, Kettering to Aug. 29 and Tipp City to Aug. 22.
The first day of school in Dayton is Monday. Wondering when your kids are due back in class? Here’s the list for the Miami Valley:
The first day of school for Miami Valley school districts will be:
Aug. 7: Dayton
Aug. 21: Valley View
Aug. 22: Brookville, Fairborn, Jackson Center, Kings, Mad River, New Lebanon, Newton, Northmont, Piqua, Preble Shawnee, Twin Valley, Xenia, Tipp City, Waynesville
Aug. 23: Botkins, Cedar Cliff, Covington, Fairlawn, Fort Loramie, Franklin, Hardin-Houston, Jefferson Township, Little Miami, Milton-Union, National Trail, Northridge, Oakwood, Russia, Huber Heights, Miamisburg
Aug. 24: Anna, Lebanon, Sidney, Vandalia-Butler
Aug. 28: Bethel, Bradford, Carlisle, Eaton
Aug. 29: Arcanum-Butler, Beavercreek, Centerville, Greeneview, Miami East, Mississinawa Valley, Sugarcreek, West Carrollton, Kettering
Aug. 30: Ansonia, Greenville, Yellow Springs
Aug. 31: Troy
Sept. 5: Trotwood-Madison
Sept. 6: Mason, Springboro
