Should public schools be available to worshipers?
A ruling by a New York State Court is upholding the NYC Department of Education's policy of refusing to rent to groups for the purpose of worship (even though school buildings are regularly rented to community groups for other purposes.) Leglislation has been introduced that would keep school districts in the state of New York from discriminating against churches like this. If this is an issue of concern to you, please let your NYC Council member and your New York State senator or assembly member know what you think. To learn how to do this, click here to read some instructions written by Pastor Jon Storck.
As you know, a Court ruling will effectively evict churches out of public schools in 2012. However, a new process has begun which could keep us there.
Last Thursday at a press conference at City Hall, Councilman Cabrera introduced legislation that would keep school districts from discriminating against churches. We need both the Council's support (asking the State to pass this) and the State's approval. In order to get it, they will need to hear from concerned constituents.
Would you be willing to email or call a few legislators on our behalf?
When you write your council member you might want to say something like (you can even copy and paste this if you like):
'I am associated with a congregation that has a worship site in a public school. I am writing to ask you to support Councilman Cabrera's resolution to ask the State of New York to pass Assembly Bill A 8800. I believe it is unfair for school districts to deny equal access to religious groups based on what types of activities they engage in.
'It was an inconsistent ruling by the Courts because although they are concerned about that a 'perception of endorsement' exists in the Court's mind when a “house of worship” meets for "worship" in a school once per week, that same concern does not exist, apparently, when public schools rent classroom space from 'houses of worship' 5 days a week.
'In addition, much city revenue will be lost by the eviction of renters which will mean either reduction of public services or increases in taxes. Neither of which is a good option.'
When you write your State Senator or Assembly member:
'I am associated with a congregation that has a worship site in a public school. I am writing to ask you to support Assembly Bill A 8800. I believe it is unfair for school districts to deny equal access to religious groups based on what types of activities they engage in.
'It was an inconsistent ruling by the Courts because although they are concerned about that a "perception of endorsement" exists in the Court's mind when a “house of worship” meets for "worship" in a school once per week, that same concern does not exist, apparently, when public schools rent classroom space from “houses of worship” 5 days a week.
'In addition, much revenue will be lost by the eviction of renters which will mean either reduction of public services or increases in taxes. Neither of which is a good option.'
To find your City Council member go here:
Then please express your opinion to Speaker Quinn here (she has the ability to keep it from coming for a vote):
For your State Senator go here:
For your state Assembly member, go here:
In order to express your opinion to the Governor here:
(Jon Storck)
- Pastor_David's blog
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