Petition is addressed to: Eaton Community School Board

In recent months, the Eaton Community School District (ECSD) has found itself at the center of a significant controversy involving the infringement of First Amendment rights, particularly those pertaining to religious freedom under both the establishment and free exercise clauses.

The actions taken by the school district have not only caused emotional distress but have also infringed upon the fundamental rights of parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children.

This situation has prompted a group of concerned parents and citizens to come together and submit a formal petition to the ECSD Board, seeking immediate corrective measures to address these critical issues.

Understanding the Issue

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, prohibiting any governmental entity from impeding the free exercise of religious beliefs.

Despite this clear constitutional protection, recent decisions and policies implemented by ECSD have led to a series of events that many parents believe violate these fundamental rights.

Specific incidents have included actions that undermine parents' authority to guide their children's religious education.

To meet the established requirement of HB 85 ("Erin's Law"), ECSD licensed a curriculum called Second Step, which is a Mindfulness Based Social Emotional Learning (MBSEL) program that is taught throughout the district. While the intent of HB 85 was to teach age appropriate dangers of sexual abuse, we are of the opinion that this program goes far beyond the intent of the law, establishing fundamental ideologies rooted in Zen Buddhism as foundational truths.

At the same time, ECSD has overtly rejected a Christian-based program administered by LifeWise Academy in partnership with local churches that meets all of the tests established by the Supreme Court and lower court rulings for during school hours, off-site religious instruction. This is in violation of their own Board Policy 5223, which acknowledges this type of activity.

Impact on Families

The repercussions of these violations have been profound. Parents have expressed frustration and helplessness, as their rights to instill their own desired religious values in their children have been compromised while being subjected to another ideology by force.

Furthermore, the educational experiences of these students have been subject to specific biases, leading to an environment that is neither inclusive nor supportive of diversity.

The Importance of the Petition

In response to these alarming developments, a group of parents and community members have drafted this petition to be submitted to the Eaton Community School Board.

This petition is not merely a formality; it represents the collective voice of a community committed to protecting the constitutional rights of its members. The petition underscores the urgent need for the school board to address these violations and implement policies that uphold and respect religious freedoms.

The importance of this petition cannot be overstated. It serves as a crucial reminder to the school board and the broader community that the rights enshrined in the Constitution must be vigilantly protected.

By addressing these issues, the Eaton Community School Board has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful educational environment where every student's religious beliefs are honored and protected.

The situation within the Eaton Community School District is a stark reminder of the ongoing need to safeguard constitutional rights at all levels of government and within all public institutions.

The petition submitted by concerned parents and citizens is a vital step towards rectifying the current violations and ensuring that the district remains a place where freedom and equality are not just ideals, but lived realities.

As the school board reviews this petition, it is imperative that they take decisive action to protect religious freedoms and foster an environment of respect and inclusivity for all students and families.