ADL Sends Letter to Catoosa County School Superintendent

Date: September 30, 2009

In a letter dated September 30, 2009, Bill Nigut, Southeast Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, commends Superintendent Delia Reese for her response to and actions to remove banners at a public high school that displayed verses from The Bible.

For more information on this incident read the article from the Chattanooga Times Free Press or the article from the Washington Post.

Dear Mrs. Reese:

The Anti-Defamation League commends you for making the hard decision to uphold the First Amendment to the Constitution by banning the traditional practice of cheerleaders displaying religious messages on signs at the football games. We recognize that this has created controversy in your community; however, we believe you have done the right thing.

The Anti-Defamation League is one of the nation's oldest civil rights and human relations agencies in America.  We work extensively in the areas of multi-cultural education and religious freedom.  Through our Southeast Region Office, we have forged a close relationship with many schools in the metro area, resolving conflicts and providing training through our A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute.

ADL believes deeply in the importance of safeguarding freedom of religion in our increasingly pluralistic nation. This position is not one of hostility toward religion; rather, it reflects a profound respect for religious freedom and recognition of the extraordinary diversity of religions represented by the students and staff in our public schools. It is essential that high school sports programs keep in mind that the children entrusted to your care likely have widely divergent religious points of view.  Your decision shows respect for this diversity.

Of course students have the right to individually express their religious beliefs and it is commendable that you have sought out alternatives that can meet the needs of your students and stay within the principles of the First Amendment.

We recognize that the area of religious activity in the public schools engenders a great deal of emotion and many questions from both educators and parents. Many school administrators rely on our help and advice throughout the year and we would welcome the opportunity to work with you as well. I have enclosed a copy of our publication Religion in the Public Schools that addresses many of the issues that can arise. We also offer interactive workshops on this topic.  I hope you will see ADL as a partner in this endeavor. Please contact me if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Bill Nigut
Regional Director