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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A group that advocates keeping religion out of public schools has sent complaint letters after reports of bibles being distributed in several Oklahoma cities.
The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/19rTnPZ ) reports that the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation sent letters to 26 school districts after they were informed that Gideon's International and the son of a state representative had been distributing bibles to fifth-grade students in Checotah, Eufaula and Stidham.
Someone complained to the foundation after seeing a Facebook post by Jamison Faught that he and fellow members of Gideon's International had spent a morning passing out bibles to students.
Andrew Seidel, staff attorney for the foundation, says the actions are unconstitutional.
"These allegations, if true, violate the Constitution and breach the trust between the District and parents," Seidel wrote in a letter to Janet Blocker, superintendent of Checotah Public Schools. Seidel says that people can distribute the Bible to students after they have left campus.
Jamison Faught's father, Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, said that he supports his son's efforts.
"Passing out the scriptures — you certainly can't be blamed for that," Rep. Faught said. "What happens is, this group has used scare tactics ... The great thing about Oklahoma is that I've been at a lot of school activities where, at least in our area, we still pray before football games. We still — some people pray before meetings and certainly honor our God-given rights."
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
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