"Atheism doesn't count" - My school attendance lady.

[Weltmeister]

Well, I just want some opinions on this, because, I personally believe it's wrong.

My high school has around 35+ mormon students who don't attend 1st and 2nd period every other week on tuesdays and thursday, to attend a sacrament meeting for youths for whatever reason. They get excused, don't have to make up the work (unless it's a quiz/exam), and our school staff is completely fine with it.

I was feeling a bit shit, and just wanted some people to talk to, so I found this "support group" if you will for Athiests who are generally disregarded by their religious families. I've always felt like the odd one out in my family for my beliefs, but, it's only been getting to me recently, because I can see them being much happier for my sister (whose graduating this year as well) even though she's not nearly as close as I am on an academic level, hasn't done anything (cheerleading, sports, what not), and been a slacker most of these past years. She's gone to church every Sunday though, and believes the lord will get her on the right path. I'm not dissing her, but, that's not my mentality.

Point is, so, I attend this group (who meet around the time 6th period starts) on wednesday, and it's really great, I'm having a good time, and most of the people were near my age, which was nice. I met lots of interesting people, and it really was a stress relief. So I decide to go every other week, and my dad is fine with it, and he writes a letter to the school. I think it won't be a big deal, I'm only missing World Lit and lunch on wednesdays. I give my father's nicely written letter to the lady, and she just gives me a snarky look and says "no."

I ask her why, and she say's, it's not a valid reason to miss class. I bring up the fact that there a good number of people who do it, and for longer periods of time, for more or less the same reason (for support amongst like-minded peers).

She just tells me "Athiesm doesn't count" and it's my fault I chose to be one. Shocked, I just walk out of the room.

I don't want any flame wars, but, what do you guys think? I'm still kind of shocked, and pretty mad at her for her answer. I just don't know what to do.

[highlight](User was banned for this post ("Schoolpunch / Religion - didn't read the sticky" - Craptasket))[/highlight]

[Stormcharger]

Sue her or something

[Goodthief]

She has to let you, it's stupid of her not to. I suggest you take it up with your headmaster there's no way a school can favour one religion over the others or religion over no religion.

If it doesn't work just make up some mormon shit to get you out of class

[ewitwins]

[QUOTE=Goodthief;33714441]She has to let you, it's stupid of her not to. I suggest you take it up with your headmaster there's no way a school can favour one religion over the others or religion over no religion.

If it doesn't work just make up some mormon shit to get you out of class[/QUOTE]

It's an American public school, so it's more likely they have a Principal :v:

Anyways, I agree with the other two, she has no right to deny you. You have a written letter of consent from a parent to miss class.

[Griml3xx]

You should of told her to respect your faith and that you will be indeed having that period off from class to go to your support group and if she has a problem with it, to call your father.

[CorporalRoss]

Unless it a Private Education, they have no right to discriminate on belief in a public education system. Basically take it to the next level and get your rights

[fruxodaily]

Go to the Principal/head master with whoever your supporters are and demand this be so, have some good arguments too.

Make sure you don't go off your nut and be abusive, be as calm as possible and keep trying..

Or start a civil war amongst your school, VIVA LE RESISTANCE

[Goodthief]

[QUOTE=ewitwins;33714449]It's an American public school, so it's more likely they have a Principal :v:

Anyways, I agree with the other two, she has no right to deny you. You have a written letter of consent from a parent to miss class.[/QUOTE]

If it's a public school then shouldn't it not matter what they're missing school for? If public schools are funded by taxes that means that the school has no right to favour a specific religion so technically what they are doing is illegal.