LETTER: Public ed isn’t religious

To the editor:

    While reading Ms. Bennett’s letter, my range of emotions was diverse, but the concluding feeling I came away with was that of disturbance by the attitude that it shared. I know it’s less than earth-shattering, but given the sentiment of this letter, I thought I would do well to remind all involved that the orders of the First Presidency of the Mormon Church do not apply to all school children, even in Utah. Ms. Bennett’s willingness to follow the advice given is fine for her as an individual and may work for her situation, but I do not understand how she can justify these opinions as overriding and important for all regardless of their personal beliefs and backgrounds.

    Would you approve if I copied and pasted quotes from the Dalai Lama or the Pope and told you that they were to apply to your life and how you educate your children? I can only imagine that you would think it unfair that another religion should be allowed to dictate your morals or tell you how to teach your children, but that is exactly what your letter suggests.

    Interestingly, I am a Mormon, but cannot imagine any situation where the advice of the First Presidency should be used on a classroom matter in any area or subject in a public school. The kind of beliefs you shared are disturbing and reflect a sentiment of religious overtones that are nothing short of completely unacceptable in a public school. I suggest two things. First, Ms. Bennett, may I urge that write your own letter without excessive use of the copy and paste feature. Second, I suggest that all recognize the dangers and blatant ignorance in allowing personal religious morals to supersede curriculum for all children attending public school.

Emily Daines