|
|||
 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|
|
|
 | Removed from Government School for Refusing to Pray Posted by Luke Setzer on 4/08, 10:03am | |
| In November, 2004, Nicole Smalkowski -- a student at Hardesty Oklahoma High School and member of the female basketball squad -- was ordered by her coach to participate in a game-time recitation of the "Lord's Prayer." Ms. Smalkowski, an Atheist, refused and was then banished to the locker room. Days later, following a meeting of school officials, she was punished by being removed from the team. A year after the first incident involving Ms. Smalkowski, she once again tried to participate in the girl's basketball team. Again, Coach Ernest Cook "attempted to force Plaintiff N.S. to recite the "Lord's Prayer." Ms Smalkowski instead "chose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance." This YouTube video shows the event that sparked the controversy. Her family's lawsuit against the school has charged that Nicole Smalkowski was punished by school officials who falsely accused her of "threatening another student." She was suspended "without a Due Process hearing or notice, as is required by Oklahoma Statutes." Eventually, she was suspended and denied her statutory right to a hearing. Read more at http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/smalko3.htm | ||
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
