ANGELS CAMP, Calif. — A sophomore student at a public high school in California is requesting that his school district change its policy prohibiting the discussion of Creation beliefs in science class.
Grayson Mobley, 16, spoke to the Bret Harte Union High School Board earlier this month to ask that he be allowed to politely cite his beliefs when pertinent. His father told the Union Democrat that students were told from the start that God needs to kept out of the classroom.
Mobley attended a Christian school up until high school, and has earned math and science awards. He is currently a straight A student.
“I’m here tonight to safeguard my constitutional rights,” Mobley stated to those gathered. “Free speech is granted to all American citizens, including minors. I am an American citizen.”
Mobley’s attorney also addressed the board, and his pastor, Kevin Diamond of San Andreas Community Covenant Church, came prepared with a petition of over 100 signatures from those who support Mobley’s request that the board amend its policy.
“Philosophical and religious theories are based, at least in part, on faith, and are not subject to scientific test and refutation,” the district policy, which originated from the California School Boards Association, reads. “Such beliefs shall not be discussed in science classes, but may be addressed in the social science and language arts curricula.”
“Grayson’s case is about allowing a student to scientifically, constructively, politely and relevantly express philosophical and religious knowledge when it is directly relevant to the subject matter already being discussed in class,” explained attorney Greg Glaser.
Approximately 100 people attended the meeting, some of whom came to support to sophomore student.
“I have watched this young man grow up and I am in awe of the man he is becoming. I know him to be a humble, respectful, honest and kind young person,” said Dr. Jeff Whitman.
“For someone to say that ‘science is fact and religion is faith’ is just an incomplete statement of a question,” he continued. “Allowing Bret Harte science students to constructively and relevantly express their viewpoints is a good solution. It respects the Constitution, and it encourages critical thinking in an American academic environment.”
The board said that it would discuss the matter with its attorney to review the legality of the policy, while District Superintendent Michael Chimente also remarked that there was “no reason to believe” that the policy conflicted with the law.
Glaser said that the family is willing to take the matter to the courts if necessary.
Romans 1:20 reads, “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
John 1 also outlines of Jesus, the Christ, “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. … He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”
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