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September 10, 2002ACLU says SB schools mixed culture, religion- In-school events that taught about American Indian culture cut across boundary, lawyer saysBy VANESSA McCRAYRecord-Eagle staff writer SUTTONS BAY - An attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union told the Suttons Bay School Board Monday that some of the district's in-school events, including a pow-wow held last May at the middle school, are likely unconstitutional. ACLU attorney Steve Morse, of Northport, also made recommendations as to how the board can avoid a conflict with the First Amendment while still teaching about American Indian culture. In a written statement, the board admitted to possibly violating some sections of its own policies but said no malice was intended. The ACLU does not plan to file charges against the district. "A pattern is developing in which constitutional principles are being given a second seat and the educational values or religious values are taking a first seat," Morse said. A reporter from The Leelanau Enterprise filed a complaint with the ACLU about the district's practices after the May 22 pow-wow, during which a prayer was said. Suttons Bay Superintendent Bob MacEachran listed several other events held on school property that involved staff or students participating in American Indian ceremonies. "As educators, we have reached out to the Grand Traverse Band to work with us in a variety of ways to share with us their culture so as to create understanding and improve academic performance," the board's statement read. Morse recommended the board review the district's policies with respect to First Amendment law and also conduct school-wide teacher training to ensure staff understands clearly the constitutional limitations when discussing a religion. Morse said because American Indian culture is so intertwined with religion, it is difficult, but not impossible, to teach it while not promoting it. Board president Cindy Robb said the district is committed to continue educating its students about American Indian culture. She said the district will work with the tribe to come up with a format that will educate students about the culture but not promote a religion. "We want to make sure we are doing it the right way and that we just don't cross that line and violate the constitution. It doesn't mean that we won't teach this," she said. According to tribal member Ron Anderson, there were 187 American Indians enrolled in Suttons Bay Schools last year, making it the district with the largest number of students from the Peshawbestown-based Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Parents and community members who addressed the board Monday said they wanted the school to educate students about American Indian culture. "This might take the community backward several steps when it needs to go forward many steps," Kim Schneider said. Others in attendance worried the tribe was being unfairly treated because its members are in the minority. "I encourage the board to give the same close scrutiny to other boarder-line events which establish the Christian tradition, because the majority of this community is Christian, and some scrutiny needs to be applied across the board," Marian Kromkowski said. Anderson said he is confident the tribe and the district can find a way to teach students about the culture while respecting the First Amendment. "The prayer (at the pow-wow) was a mistake and there are different ways we can do this to get around it," Anderson said. |
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