Correcting the record for the Lebanon Community Schools Board

At the April 15th board meeting I read a statement to the School board to correct the record as stated by Jim Martin during the Dec. 17th board meeting and unobjectively reported by the Lebanon Express and Albany Democrat Herald newspapers.

For a point of reference, the original articles can be found here:

http://www.lebanon-express.com/news/local/article_a8798d82-f4d0-11de-a201-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.lebanon-express.com/news/local/article_44948c34-054e-11df-8ed7-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.democratherald.com/news/local/article_36e532b8-060d-11df-a1c5-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.democratherald.com/news/local/article_bbc2dbe8-ec5e-11de-8346-001cc4c002e0.html

The full text of the response that was read to the board is as follows:

I would like to take a moment to reflect back upon the comments that were made by Jim Martin during the Dec. 17th board meeting and after Pioneer elementary schools’ holiday program, as reported by the Leb. Express and Democrat Herald. To begin with, I would like the correct the record and note that the scope of the religious nature of the program as originally intended went well beyond just the 2 “sacred” songs, as Mr. Martin erroneously implied in his statements which said “There were 18 songs on the program, of which one has a sacred theme to it and 17 don’t. Really, the complaint should go the other way: The program was too darned secular,” and “To change that program for one person is almost a violation of everyone else’s rights.” I’m not sure what planet Mr. Martin resides on, but in reality, 18 of the original 20 songs were focused around the Judeo-Christian holiday of Christmas. This is a far cry from the statement that the program was “too secular,” and the fact that the total amount of content centered around a singular religion effectively made it proselytization by default.

In yet another article, Mr. Martin is quoted as having stated that district policy was followed after the commotion at the actual event, and that the people who caused it were well within their rights. These statements are not factually accurate either. After an amicable resolution had been reached by Principal Finch, it was then the school district’s duty to ensure the spirit of that agreement was carried through in good faith. This was not done, and not only do Mr. Martin’s statements advocate that parents and faculty operate outside of codified legal boundaries, but also suggest that it’s ok to operate outside of the established complaint process the school board has provided. If other parents had a problem with the decision that was made they should have been encouraged to follow the appropriate channels and file a formal complaint as well, not attempt to display arrogance and contempt for the rest of the community by causing a disruption in front of children, let alone anyone else who didn’t know or couldn’t care less about what had transpired. These statements tell people that if you are a member of the school districts favored religion; you are free to operate however you choose without consequence. What is even more concerning, is that they tell people that it’s ok to exhibit bullying behavior and it’s ok to push people around who believe differently than you.
As I’m sure that every board member is aware, the complaints that were filed did not advocate for the elimination of the entire program, however that would have been the only alternative had the most offensive songs not been removed, but instead requested more diversity in the programming (to bring the program into legal compliance) and for the respect to allow all children to participate in the program and NOT encourage segregation by stating that, “if they don’t like it they don’t have to participate.” Asking a child to sit out of a school wide event based on their family’s religious beliefs is encouraging segregation instead of building community and understanding between all cultures that live here. Just because ONE person complains, doesn’t mean there aren’t numerous other families who sit in silence because they are afraid of the exact behavior displayed by Mr. Martin. There are many reasons to celebrate holidays, not just those of the Christian faith, but you wouldn’t have known that judging by the content of Pioneer’s program. This is a missed opportunity to teach the students of this district about other cultures, and to encourage compassion and understanding among them.
I find it appalling that there is even a single member on this board who would not only consider Mr. Martin’s behavior to be acceptable, but would actively encourage it. In order to ensure a functional society, we have a system of rules in place which are designed to encourage civil, polite discourse and to allow that every voice is heard. In my opinion, to see board members actively encourage members of the community to participate in bullying behavior and act outside of established school board procedures is an ethical violation of the highest order.