Hey everyone! This blog has been in the works for quite a while now, and it’s finally done! I apologize for the delay, but I’ve been incredibly busy with school and other craziness. I have been mulling over what my first post should be about, and I’ve decided that I should give you all a little history on the whole issue.
I became an atheist at a very young age. Although I was born into and baptized through the Catholic Church, I was encouraged to think for myself and form my own opinions. I have my sensitivity and obsession with fairness to thank for my disbelief. For me, religion does more bad than good and it certainly does not reflect the morals of equality which I live by. However, I was in the closet about my atheism until I reached middle school.
Growing up, I assumed that everyone thought this way. I assumed that all people wanted what was best for everyone and could accept those who were different than themselves. I remember learning about slavery and the holocaust, wondering how these things could have truly happened. I would sit in the back of the class sobbing, which my classmates had a field day with.
I was naïve. I was under the impression that people instinctively knew right from wrong. Well, I was seriously mistaken.
I was a freshman when I first found out about the prayer. Towards the end of the year, a dear friend of mine noticed it painted on the wall of our auditorium and immediately told me about it. As atheists, we pondered the “School Prayer” and questioned its Constitutionality. It didn’t take us long to come to the conclusion that this was obviously a violation.
As we discussed what we were going to do about this, school let out and summer break began. During our vacation, it came up in the news that a brave parent had filed a complaint to the Rhode Island chapter of the ACLU after seeing the prayer at a function held in the auditorium. When I read about this, I wanted to show my support for the prayer’s removal. I eventually did just that by creating a Facebook group entitled “Support the Removal of the Cranston High School West Prayer.” For the first few months, there were less than twenty members in the group. It wasn’t until the first sub-committee meeting in November that I was able to share my opinion.
At this point, I was still thinking that the committee would just say “Oops, sorry. We didn’t realize that was there, we’ll take it right down!” I now laugh when I think about how absolutely wrong I was.
At the first meeting, I spoke in front of the sub-committee and about ten or fifteen residents. I presented myself as an atheist, aware that the word was taboo, but unaware of just how much. When I said this, I heard a small gasp along with a bit of whispering. As I sat down after speaking, one of the accepting, non-judgmental Christians in the room mumbled “that little witch!” under her breath.
That night, a local news channel wanted to interview me. I agreed, and presented my beliefs on television. There were also several newspapers that covered the story that night. From that point on, I was considered the “face” of this issue.
There were several other meetings held to “discuss” the issue. At each meeting, the crowd grew and grew. Unfortunately, it was the other side gaining numbers. They printed the words “KEEP ORIGINAL BANNER” on blue paper and used string to wear them as signs around their necks. They showed up in mobs, ready with hate-filled speeches about how their religious freedom was being violated. They said that if I didn’t like their “Christian nation”, I should just leave. In fact, at several meetings I was personally attacked and accused due to my beliefs and position.
Without a legal leg to stand on, they used every excuse in the book. I was completely dumbfounded by some of the arguments they made in favor of the prayer. They claimed from the beginning that the prayer did not violate anyone’s rights or discriminate in any way. They argued that it was “student artwork”, as it was written by a child when the school first opened. They even tried to say at one point that the “School Prayer”, was not a prayer.
And of course, they stampede into these meetings with the attitude that they are superior, God loves them, and that they can do whatever the hell they want simply because God said so. They march in huge numbers to intimidate the minority and force them back into the closet. “If you don’t like it, too bad, we get to do what we want!” That, boys and girls, is what you call a bully. Bullying is unacceptable.
After hours and hours of pointless meetings and discussion, the school board voted 4-3 to keep the prayer and fight the ACLU in court. I received an email from the ACLU asking if I would like to sign on to the lawsuit as a plaintiff in the case against the city, and I agreed.
Since the press release on April 4, things have continued to get even crazier.
The morning after the press release, I walked into homeroom. The first thing I was greeted by were my classmates gossiping about how “mad retarded” I am for doing this. These students mind you, do not speak to me. Here they are passing judgment on me and what I believe without having talked to me for even a second. As I sat down, I said “good morning” to a couple of my peers who did not return the friendly gesture or even acknowledge my existence. During the pledge that morning, the students in my homeroom turned and yelled “Under GOD!” at me. The teacher said and did nothing.
Several weeks ago, we had “diversity week” at my school. During this annual event students at the school come together to speak on issues regarding racial and cultural differences, bullying, respect, LGBTQ, etc. The entire week is full of assemblies that teachers can choose to have their classes attend. One morning in chemistry class, we went down to the auditorium (so yes, I was required to be in there) to see our Mayor Fung speak about his life as a Chinese-American minority. At the end, he took questions. One student asked how he felt about the prayer banner which was clearly painted on the wall right beside us. He pointed to it and passionately said “I would like to see that prayer stay exactly where it is!” The applause he received for this would probably be comparable to that of the applause for the cure of cancer. I was the only student that I could see that remained seated, not cheering or applauding for disregarding the Constitution and the rights of minorities. I’m sure Mayor Fung feels quite confident about the next election now.
Now, of course the intimidation and hate do bother me sometimes. However, the love and support have more than compensated for such intolerance. The religious crowd in favor of keeping the prayer is trying to scare me into backing down. What they don’t realize is that the harder they try to make me feel hated, the more confidence and determination I have. The more they fight for the apparent God-given right to violate The Constitution, the more important it becomes that I defend our rights and speak out against this unacceptable discrimination.
And it’s paying off.
After talking with Harrison Hopkins, a high school senior in South Carolina, he decided to bravely fight the illegal graduation prayer which was to be said at his ceremony this June. Through the FFRF, he was able to heroically stop this prayer from being endorsed by the school. Will the ever so classy students of Laurens District High School pray anyway just to make him feel hated and inferior? Of course. He’s currently facing horrid amounts of backlash from his school and community simply for defending his rights. Even still, his convictions are unwavering as he refuses to back down, despite what the majority think they are entitled to do.
Another story that surfaced just this week is Damon Fowler’s fight against the graduation prayer at his public high school in Louisiana. I cannot even begin to describe the kinds of hateful nonsense that has taken place because of this. After his parents disowned him, he attended his graduation in which the students prayed despite this brave stand against inequality. It wasn’t until after Damon and I started talking that he realized he was already familiar with my story. In fact, I am absolutely flattered to be what he has called his “inspiration” for fighting this:
“Watching YouTube videos Saturday, I came across a video of a girl who stood up for the separation of church and state. I didn’t realize until now, but I’ve been talking to her since all of this started… Thank you, Jessica Ahlquist for inspiring me to make a difference, and thank you for the support. 
”
And maybe I’ve lost it, but this actually brought me to tears. In the beginning of all this chaos, I never would have guessed that my actions could result in something so huge. For me, this was always something that I just had to do. While I am completely horrified and disgusted by the hate which they are facing, I am overjoyed that they have decided to fight for their rights as well. I am honored to call these two brave heroes my new friends.
We may be young, but we do have voices. As students, atheists, and Americans, we must defend our rights. This country and all of the beautiful liberties it has were not given to us by God. They were fought for relentlessly by heroes who understood equality and the need for a wall between church and state.
I speak on behalf of the three of us when I encourage other atheists to come out of the closet and stick up for our equality. They cannot repress us unless we allow them to.
And I apologize for being incredibly cheesy and emotional, I have been up all night and I am in love with this movement. Also, happy Not-Rapture Day!
Great first post. What you, Harrison and Damon are doing is the start of something potentially huge.
This is an inspiring story, Jessica. Stick to your guns (that’s a metaphor, unless you’re Sarah Palin) and enjoy the support and encouragement you are receiving from all over the world.
So, it’s still an going struggle to get that prayer taken down then? Hmm. That’s unfortunate. I was hoping the victory was all but guaranteed.
As a Canadian, I don’t have to go through this kind of arrogance, ignorance, lawlessness, hate, or judgement. Granted, we don’t have as powerful of a constitution and, if someone tried to pull these shenanigans, we would be legally unable to fight back. Thankfully, Canada has no “bible belt” and isn’t full of ridiculous, right wing Christian conservatives.
I get so discouraged and disheartened hearing stories like the rapture or the so-called “Ground Zero Mosque” or any other bullshit story that FOX news likes to report with their religious fear-mongering. But just when I feel the cynicism creep in, I hear about Damon and I hear about you.
You are an inspiration. Although I hoped to claim it about my generation, I think that yours could truly be the one to make a difference in the world and usher in the secular society that humankind should embrace. Already, the European Union is almost half atheist or non-religious so we simply need courageous free-thinkers like you to crack the nut that is the US, which I think is Christianity’s last bastion right now.
Continue to stand up for what you believe in, continue to fight for freedom from religion and continue to inspire us all, Jessica*.
And then, when you’re done, see what you can do about racism, hey?
* Can I call you Jess? Or do you prefer Jessica?
In Quebec, there is no bible belt, but “reasonable accommodation” for immigrants makes it so that everyone has to walk on eggshells so as to not offend them.
i.e. my history teacher who had to stress the fact that evolution was ONLY A THEORY to calm down the racist and creationist Muslim majority.
This, of course, made me extremely frustrated, since half the class turned around at once to look at me smugly and yell at me. This is because I am one of the only atheists to say it publicly and also the only one to respond to “evolution is stupid” comments.
What is a history teacher doing teaching evolution? That belongs into the natural sciences, specifically biology. And a biology teacher really should explain things like the scientific method and the proper use of terms like “scientific fact” and “scientific theory”
“What is a history teacher doing teaching evolution?”
Because it’s a revolutionary idea in the history of humanity, which has had an effect on pretty much all areas of modern thought. What if a history teacher had to teach about how modern vaccinations have re-shaped society? Should they just skip that and let a bio teacher explain how they work, as well as the effect they have had on past events?
Well, then it really shouldn’t MATTER if evolution is “only a theory” then if they are teaching the historical implications of evolution. Because the historical aspect of evolution and what the knowledge of it has done for our society is observed, documented and most certainly NOT “just a theory” LOL. Seriously, sorry you had to deal with that. Honestly, in the U.S. though, its the Christian religious zealots who are the creationists and the loud-mouths that are dragging the education system down. I don’t see why schools should have to teach “creationism” in a SCIENCE class. There is NO physical evidence that proves the Bible’s stories to be scientific fact. So why is it being taught like its on par with scientific research. Its absurd.
Might want to point out that gravity is also “just a theory” (as well as anything else in science really)
Funny thing is, while my HS bio teacher had to take down a lot of class decorations due to complaints, no one complained about the poster detailing the history of the planet earth, starting from 4 billion years ago and explaining the progressing complexity of life (x years ago, single cells, y years ago, multicellular, …, sea life, land life, etc) though it did not mention evolution directly
“Although I hoped to claim it about my generation, I think that yours could truly be the one to make a difference in the world and usher in the secular society that humankind should embrace.”
I think that a lot of crazies are (more?) publicly visible now and people see things they really dislike coming from the group they supposedly belong to, and perhaps think they don’t want to be a part of it. Most people, I think, (mostly) mean well and don’t want to be part of a hate group. Also the general availability of information through the internet must help.
I was referred here from the Friendly Atheist blog, where another person (Eric Workman) is mentioned as previously being christian but still supporting church/state separation, and has since become atheist because of the way he was treated. I think the younger, well-meaning religious people are becoming more likely to break away from a group that is quite behind the times in terms of acceptance
I came here from the Friendly Atheist too! =D I’m not an atheist but I respect their opinion and absolutely agree with this girl’s stance that a Christian prayer (or any prayer for that matter) should be used on government property. Yay! Freedom of AND from religion for all!!
Actually, the Charter pretty much prevents any prayers in Canadian schools. The Lord’s Prayer was stopped in Ontario schools soon after it was adopted in 1982. Not because of a separation clause, but because it was deemed to discriminate on the basis of religion.
Great job, Jessica. Great to see you taking such an initiative to not just stand up for church-state separation in your school, but also to help and inspire other students in public schools all across the country. You’re beginning to do something very bold, and you’re growing a sub-movement within the atheist movement. You’re more than just a single issue because now you are becoming THE postergirl for student’s for secularity in public school. An issue that has really been adult-driven for a long time is now going to start becoming a bigger and bigger issue among those most effected by it, the kids.
Jessica, you are an inspiration. Going against the mob rule of these Christians takes great strength. Take heart in knowing that many of your classmates are also nonbelievers but are just not as brave as you. They go along out of fear of these Christians whose kindness extends only to those who agree with them or at least remain silent. Friends will reappear and some will become the best friends you will ever have. You have earned their respect for doing what is right despite the cost. Stay strong!
This is a great, fantastic, eloquent post. Keep on fighting the good fight
Keep going, Jessica. you are an inspiration to all of us, across the country and even here in Canada. Good luck, someday, hopefully we will talk of the prayer in the past tense.
Hazel, high school student in Quebec.
P.S: May the FSM be with you. rAmen
Thanks for this informative and very touching first post. I wasn’t aware of what had been going on in Harrison’s case, although I was up to date on your and Damon’s struggles.
I’m so glad that you have the internet to be able to encourage each other and share resources.
I am moving my own teenaged atheist son from liberal Seattle to the bible belt – next month. We’re both a little frightened by this move we must make. He and I take comfort in your stories and know that if we have to, we can make a similar stand and we won’t be alone. Thanks for being brave in the face of all those little ways that your opposition tries to wear you down.
And your post made me a little sentimental and teary-eyed too – so you’re not alone
Thank you, Jessica, for standing up for what you know is right, even in the face of such “Christian” hostility and hatred. I think what you are doing is important, and will be a significant piece in resisting a theocracy. Also your blog post is very well written, like a professional writer. Maybe you will be the next Christopher Hitchens.
I’m badly afraid we may need the next Hitch in the not-too-distant future.
Hell yeah!
Regarding your mayor: This is something I find incredibly depressing. Minorities in America come in all kinds of forms – religious, ethnic, sexual orientation, etc. But from what I can tell, there appears to be very little support between these different kinds of minorities for a minority of a separate kind. Your mayor, an ethnic minority, doesn’t support you, a religious minority. And back when the whole Proposition 8 gay marriage ban fight was going on in California, the Mormons and the African-American community at large fought hard against gay rights.
Keep fighting for what’s right, Jessica. You’re inspiring people everywhere!
I wish I had a better way to describe just how proud I am of all three of you kids, and anyone else fighting “The Good Fight.”
You are all so brave, it makes me cry to think of how anyone could ever want to hurt you. If you ever need a break, come up to MN! We’d be glad to have you all, and we’re quite tolerant of others’ beliefs. ^_^ Be safe, I love you guys and what you’re doing, and I’ll pray that those crazy religious wingnuts see the light of truth and righteousness and come to their senses soon! Or, y’know, I’ll just write some angry adult-sounding letters and rally the troops up here. lol ;3
This is truly inspiring. You are doing great work. Keep being yourself, standing up for what you believe in, and living your life well – no matter who tries to stand in your way. Never return their hate with more hate. Stay strong knowing that you ARE making a difference.
Keep holding your head high. It’s small, passioniate movements like these that begin a change in others. Your bravery will be an inspiration to those too afraid to say what they feel.
Way to go,
A friend and fellow atheist in Miami.
It is a shame that parents use ignorance, manifested as a belief in superstition, to penalize and intimidate teenagers who don’t share that same belief in superstition. It is even more shameful that those same adults teach their children how to hate others, in order to advance their own personal agenda.
More often than not, it is the religious majority that use hate as a tool of conformance. One can only ponder as to their morality and sense of fairness.
What a lovely first post. I don’t suppose this is the place for an ‘amen’? Haha!
Your story reminds me of the stories I heard in high school… I did a fair bit of queer activism, and worked for equality in my school district as well. Fortunately for me, there were more students okay with what I was doing, than those who disagreed with me. I never succeeded in making a very big ripple because the super decided to simply ignore my requests, but… that’s neither here nor there. The folks who would give us inspiration and help us stand up when we needed to, would tell us about when the “safe schools movement” (with regards to queer youth, anyway) really began, and how hard it was, and they had the same sort of backlash you and yours have.
These are just small steps in the beginning of a wider movement, I think. A movement that needs to be had!
Keep on doing what you’re doing. Keep on inspiring other youth to stand up for themselves. It’s a hard fight, but it will be so worth it in the end, when atheist students can stand up without fear and say ‘I AM an atheist’ and not get beaten, ostracised, or put down for it.
A splendid article! No need for me to add to the above comments. Your courage in this fight is admirable! You are an inspiration for so many.
[...] just started writing a blog of her own and her first post is about how she got involved in this case as well as what has happened since filing the lawsuit: As I sat down, I said “good morning” to [...]
I live in Massachusetts. I’ve never really had to deal with religious intrusion, but then again I didn’t call myself an atheist until maybe 3 years ago. This sort of thing happening so close to home is interesting. Just the other day I was thinking that we in the north had it easy in this sense (I had read about this story before, but it wasn’t prominent in my mind.), and we do have it relativity easy in comparison to the southern states. This instance of religious intrusion in public schools, however, just goes to show that it can happen anywhere.
>”I was under the impression that people instinctively knew right from wrong.”
Maybe not only instinctively, but by and large society teaches people what is right and wrong. You can even think of it in evolutionary terms. Usually it pays off to be nice to others because your survival depends on them. That was especially true when humans lived in small groups and tribes. It was only when more complex civilizations arose that people could really get away with being asocial. that There are people who really don’t get it and can’t function. They are called sociopaths.
The problem is that children are usually programmed from a very young age with religious dogma. That simply overwrites and warps their innate morality. There may be some cognitive dissonance, but fear keeps them in line.
Great first post. Now prepare for the religio-crazy comments and don’t let them get you down.
You’re an exceptional young woman – keep up it up.
Hello from the U.K! Just to say, keep the “faith”. Your fight is harder in the U.S than anywhere else (outside of the Islamic world) right now. I admire your courage. Don’t forget that there is plenty of genuine support for you and others like you from all over the world.
Way to go, Jessica! Keep fighting the good fight. The tide is turning, slowly but surely. Reason always wins over superstition and ignorance. There are lots of atheists out there in the world, too, so you’ll always have allies and supporters. You’re never alone, even when surrounded by thugs and idiots.
You’ve got balls of steel. Keep up the good work.
I never realized how exactly americans in general viewed atheists, until I talked to an american lady that I know – one I consider a smart and tolerant person.
We were discussing religion and she asked about my denomination. I said, “I don’t have one – I am an atheist” and she responded “But you can’t be – you are a good person!”.
Since then I have read a lot about how religion poisons your country – and I have been following your struggle from the other side of our lovely earth.
You are a very brave and smart young lady, and standing up to hateful treatment like you do requires extraordinary strength. You just keep doing what you do!
Lots of admiration from your danish fan club
This view of Atheists is mostly held by people within the “Bible Belt” of America. It really depends on where you are located.
Unfortunately hating atheists is very common all across America. Don’t blame it on the Bible belt.
First, I’ve been following this from the Friendly Atheist blog since Hemant picked it up. So I’m glad to see you’ve started writing this in blog.
Second; though I’m long out of High School, I am in the military and am still subjected to nonsense just like this. So I am very happy to see someone take up the banner and bring the issue to light. It both gives me hope for my 2 year old son as he grows up and helps me persevere.
Are you going to let your son think for him self or are you going to force atheism on him? How can you prove you are right and religion is wrong? Oh wait you cant.
I imagine he is probably going to let the kid believe in whatever the kid feels is right for himself! Imagine that!!! You know, people who have experience intolerance and oppression typically find it much easier to allow the other people in their lives believe what is good for them. As opposed to dictating what a person should believe in and disowning them if they don’t agree with you…..what GREAT moral character THAT shows!!! LOL
Jessica, you and Damon are the future heroes of the atheism “movement”. It is through the younger generation, and people like you, that the separation of church and state will be reinforced.
When I bring stories like yours and Damon’s up to my Christian relatives and friends, the response I almost always get is “Well, they’re not True Christians™, because that’s not a Christian way to behave. True Christians™ would never act that way.” It’s utterly deplorable how some Christians will dismiss others for acting in such a negative light. Still others would defend your peers’ reactions by claiming they really *are* being persecuted.
Funny, I don’t see any lions anywhere. No torture devices. No mass killings of Christians. I just see a bunch of whiny babies who aren’t getting their way.
I don’t know you, Jessica, but I am proud of you. I know I wouldn’t have been as strong and brave when I was in high school, but it is heartening to know that there are kids like you and the others out there now.
I wish you all the best in this fight, and know that you are never alone.
To add one more voice to what I hope is a chorus of thousands, thank you for doing what is right and standing bravely in the face of the backlash it brought on you from the American Taliban.
Keep writing.
Thank you for your bravery! This is a worthy fight that won’t end overnight.
Well done Jessica and keep up the good fight.We here in Australia have an atheist for our Prime Minister so there is hope that you too will be able to have a non-religious head of state in the future.
I wish to lend my full support to this cause. If you ever need anyone to back you up, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Keep up the good work, your bravery is phenomenal.
Thank you for doing what you do when so many people are peer pressured into doing what they have and always will do. While the tide is turning, the wheels always turned slowest when the road is so rough.
My son was a atheist, he was also against religious crazies and bullies and has always been. He was a lover of history and of what humans could be when they really put their minds too it. He wanted to help people who were in harms way by placing himself in danger.. the tip of the spear as it were.
He was a proud member of the 101st Airborne and was killed by a road side bomb in Iraq when he was 19 years old in Shula (Baghdad) Iraq. I never have liked the human species that much, and this didn’t exactly improve my thoughts about the future of humanity.
After my son was killed, their have been many kind gestures from others but there have also been some really hurtful things after they define exactly what I and my son’s belief system consists of…
I hope that you are successful in your attempts to hold Americans to the standards that America was founded on. I wish you all the best..
Keep fighting! You’re an inspiration!
Rock on sister. Your story is making the rounds on the atheist blogs so you’re about to get flooded with subscriptions… keep us updated.
You are even an inspiration to us old atheists!
I had a discussion on FB about prayer in school with a christianist and instead of having a civil discussion he kept repeating himself about saving people, said something about satan having power (?) then blocked me.
Most of these people can never be reached but bringing the problem of prayer in public schools to the forefront is the first step in educating some of them. It’s hard but it’ll be worth the fight in the long run.
Good luck and we all have your back!
I was never this brave in high school, Jessica! Stay graceful, and never lower yourself to the level of all those very hateful religious people. You are an all-American girl for doing this! *This* is what fighting for your country’s way of life *really* looks like!
[...] For starters, Jessica Ahlquist sued her public school for having what is clearly a religious banner, and thus against the law in her state. Her blog details the situation elegantly: http://jessicaahlquist.com/2011/05/a-quick-history/ [...]
As I’m already on the “Support Damon” page on Facebook I feel that I should add my bit of support for you too.
First of all – cheesy and emotional? You have all the right in the world to be just as cheesy and emotional as you wish! You come across as a living and loving individual, that’s all.
I’m Swedish, but with some roots, sort of, in the US, as my mother was born to Swedish immigrants in NY. My grandparents eventually returned to Sweden, but there is still family over there, which is one reason why I’m keeping up to date on events.
My wife and I occasionally joke about bringing along a roll of gaffa tape when we visit our relatives, as a reminder not to talk about religion (they’re born again Christians) or politics (Republicans, too), but perhaps we really should do just that!
Thanks for a very enlightening first blog post!
Hello Jessica! I wish you all the best and congratulate you for your brave and principled stand. I’m not sure I would have such courage.
Jessica, I understand how this is emotional for you. You are making a difference. That you are young only means that there is hope for this nation that still stands for freedom, even if some of its citizens forget that sometimes. It is because of people like you, and the people you inspire, myself included, that freedom of religion for all Americans will be preserved.
Thank you so much for taking this stand. Thank you for your courage and your stamina in the face of persecution. Thank you for enduring the difficult days and continuing the journey. Please know that you are not alone. There are many, young and not-so-young, that stand with you.
I wish I’d known what you know when I was your age. I wish I’d had your strength of conviction. I’m going to post this link on Facebook and spread the word.
Melissa
Jessica,
I can’t believe the amount of hate you’ve received, and how well you’ve handled it. It only took one bully to get me down in high school, and she was a peer, not a teacher or mayor. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you. I hope you feel our long distant support and love!
Stay strong, Jessica! You’re an inspiration and a bright light for the future!
I grew up in Rhode Island and I was religious for a long time. But even when I was a christian, I was annoyed at religious themes being pushed on us students, knowing that not all of us were christian. Now, as an agnostic atheist, it makes me even more angry because how was it that I, studying the Bible and trying to be a good christian was able to see the injustice of endorsement of any religion *or* lack thereof, but they could not and cannot? You are in the right, and any religious person with moral fibre will stand with you. Good luck, and let me know how I can help you.
I stand with you.
Hi Jessica, I’m an atheist now, but back in high school I was a gung-ho Christian. I almost feel like apologizing for the masses who are treating you so badly. They are taught, week after week, that they must stand up for God, that they will be rewarded for doing so, and that following God is all that matters. It puts people in the strangest state of mind where “obeying God” is somehow more important than basic kindness and understanding.
Even so, it is surprising that they don’t understand that a public school is no place for a posted prayer. I would hope that someone would teach them how easily that “right” could be abused. What if it was a Mormon prayer, a Muslim prayer, a Wiccan prayer? Don’t they want to be protected from that kind of school-sponsored prayer? It seems like a little education would solve this problem. Even a balanced presentation of the issues would wake up most people to the potential abuses of government-sponsored prayer. You would think!!!
In any event, keep it up! You never know how many people you will enlighten along the way. I hope you will not only be true to yourself but also be as kind as possible to these people. It will just confuse them further and may even challenge them to be more open and caring toward you. And you never know where that may lead!
Jessica, I remember realizing that the idea if god was ridiculous at the same time that I realized Santa didn’t exist. I was ten yrs old (yes, I was a little slow in the uptake regarding the Santa thing) I kept quiet ( it was the late seventies). I admire the fact that you stand up for what you believe in and I am horrified by the actions of your school. Keep up the good fight!
As a foreigner from a largely atheist country now living in the Bible Bet I can say first hand how horrifyingly integral religion is to everyday life here; and how the religious viciously & actively persecute the non-religious at every opportunity.
I was lucky growing up where I did as my atheistic views were the norm and basically a non-story. I fully appreciate the strength and courage you are demonstrating and you have my respect.
You are absolutely not alone, we’re all here for you
As an Atheist who attended a Lutheran highschool, I know what it feels like to be a minority! Unlike you i just sat back and kept my opinions and beliefs to myself. I applaud your strength and courage to fight for what you believe in! Living in Australia and hearing these sorts of stories coming from the US still shocks me! Keep fighting the good fight Jessica! You have suport from all around the world!
Jessica, your schoolmates are not doing a very good job of emulating Jesus of Nazareth, are they? Screaming God’s name aggressively as a weapon, shunning and despising you instead of showing you love and good will. I don’t think their Prophet would be proud of them, but then it seems that most Christians have lost interest in his central teachings, haven’t they? Now it’s all about power, and being the majority that can push around the minority. They don’t even pretend to be following the “Prince of Peace.”
They’re a gang.
They have so much fear. All that aggression and spitefulness is from fear. Their faith is so fragile that they can’t stand being outside of an environment where everyone and even the walls are reinforcing their constantly evaporating beliefs. A narrow hideout for narrow minds.
My very best wishes, Jessica. Pay those childish cowards no mind. Your strength of character and your willingness to stand up for the principle of freedom for all is a great inspiration to many people. People who matter will always be on your side.
Mahatma Gandhi said it best:
“”I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Jessica, you are truly an inspiration. Thanks for sharing the fight with us.
Jess:
Are you sure you’re just a high schooler? Your post is too clear and concise to be written by a teenager. Did the atheists enlist a ringer?
All kidding aside, you are in the right and don’t let anybody tell you different. We need more Americans like you to bring the myth-o-crits back to reality. Constitutional violations have consequences. Everytime I hear someone say that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, I ask them whether those principles include slavery (included in the Constitution); whether those principles include restricting voting rights to white male property owners (included in the Constitution); whether those principles include considering some people to be just 3/5 of a person (included in the Constitution).
I hope your classmates come to their senses and realize that you are not trying to stop them from practicing their religion. Hang in there. This too shall pass. It gets better. And to paraphrase Jesus Christ: “Forgive them, Jessica. They know not what they do.”
Don’t let the christians get you down. You have the law on your side!
But really, I’m glad someone like you has taken a stand. You seem poised, positive and filled with the power to stand up for what is right!
I’m seventeen years old, and am about to graduate from high school. I was raised in a religious (Christian) environment and still go to church every Sunday, but have recently been drifting away from faith. I say that simply to establish that I’m not an avid atheist, let alone an atheist at all, because I think that makes my following comment all the more significant:
I absolutely agree with you and everything you’re doing. Personally, I wouldn’t be offended by a school prayer. However, what I realize (and what all of these people at your school apparently fail to realize) is that by protecting the minority today, the majority is protecting itself in the future. Christians/Catholics won’t be in the majority forever, and I don’t think they would appreciate a Muslim prayer being recited in a high school. By oppressing the views of others, i.e., atheists, right now, Christians/Catholics are effectively giving other religions a green light to turn right around and oppress Christians/Catholics once they become a minority.
The bottom line is that the Constitution explicitly forbids such actions. Sure, you can try to bend the rules in your favor so long as you’re in power, but what happens when others are in control and try to bend the rules in *their* favor, instead?
Best of luck with all of this.
P.S. I am extremely impressed with your ability to form a coherent argument; very few people would take you seriously if you wrote/spoke as crudely as most high-schoolers do.
Kudos to you!
I’m 48 and am with you all the way. When I was in grammar school I refused to say “under god” as part of the pledge and the teacher complained to my mother. Shehe stood up for me but no one else stood with me. Maybe you generation will finally change things. There are many like you !
Clearly, you are not alone; there are many of us out here who support you. Keep at it, and let us all know if there’s anything practical we can do to help.
Hi Jessica. You ARE, most definitely an inspiration. Please keep it up.
Regarding that mayor: about 20 years ago, I was appointed to a position on a local utility board. No big deal really, but it was a public position on a public board. In order to take the job, I had to take an oath to uphold and defend the US Contitution. I realize that was not the same state as you, but it’s the same country. It’s just possible Mayor Fung violated his oath…
Thank you Jessica. I am a dentist in Idaho. Your post and story are very inspiring. I have often said that there is nothing worse than seeing a young person lose the wind in their sails and become disillusioned. Now I want to tell you there is nothing better than watching a young person who has vision, courage and is excited about where they’re going. I salute you.
Hi Jessica,
You may never see this, but I just wanted to let you know that I think you are doing a wonderful job standing up for yourself and the US Constitution. I was in high school in the southern US just a few years ago. As an atheist in Alabama, I was not unaccustomed to the kind of thing with which you are dealing, but I never had the bravery to stand against it as you are. I and many others really appreciate your efforts to make things as they should be. I can’t imagine how hard your high school career will be because of this, but please know that you have many people supporting you, and it’s clear you have a bright future.
Jessica… you Damon and Harrison have more supporters and any of you will likely ever realize. I’m 59 years old, and only wish I had this much courage 40 years ago.
Your blog has been added to my blogroll, and your message forwarded to friends around the world.
You’re awesome. I wish I’d had the courage to stand up like you are when I was in high school. It wasn’t exactly a secret that I was an atheist, but I kept it to myself unless asked about religion.
I rebelled silently against the sanctimonious nonsense that Christians were allowed to get away with. I kept my head up when the principal asked those who pray to bow theirs in prayer; I bit my tongue when my math teacher came to class in a “It’s freedom *of* religion, not freedom *from* religion!” t-shirt; I paused between “one nation” and “indivisible” when reciting the pledge (unless I was asked to lead it).
In hindsight, part of me wishes I had raised a stink about those little encroachments on religious neutrality. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have it in me to invite the kind of flak that you, Harrison, and Damon have had to put up with.
I applaud what you and the others are doing, and I hope that your efforts will make the world a better place for future generations of atheists.
Well done lass, you’re a credit to your family, your school and your country. And you make a lot of people very jealous who wish they could have been like you when they were that age. Keep it up!
Great first post, Jessica. I’m glad you and other students are standing up for what’s right. Keep it up.
Thanks for taking on this challenge Jessica! You literally have millions of non-religious Americans behind you. Keep up the great work.
Jessica, you are doing a good thing. Know that there are people all over the world who support you in this.
Jessica,
I am certainly impressed with the maturity you’re showing with this post. I will echo what many others said: in high school, I was so concerned with what others thought of me that just a few students were able to get me down. Standing against so many students and teachers like you’re doing is not easy, but it is essential. You’re the vanguard of a movement that might spread across the country.
It’s definitely not fair that you have to do this yourself, and that there has been so much difficulty in your fight. As a recently graduated college student, I can say that (depending on your college) it is easier to find tolerant students in higher education. Your story has moved me, along with perhaps thousands of others, to be honest about our beliefs and defend our constitutional rights.
I admire what you did and what you are doing. I’m behind you all the way. (And maybe once enough people get behind you some of them will get in front as well, helping make your life easier and guarantee freedom from religion for high school students across the country.)
Keep up the good fight for equality and freedom!
From one Atheist Rhode Islander to another, keep up the great work!
I came here via reddit expecting it to be a story about somewhere in Kentucky and all most fell out of my chair when I read it was at a school I played lacrosse against in High School!
I can only hope I’d be as brave as you are should I ever be presented with such a challenge!
If there is anything that can be done by locals to help, I’ll be checking in on the story from time to time. Just say the word!
Hello Jessica,
Cheers from France, stay strong and keep up the good work ! Thank you for fighting to keep your country bigotry-free and progressive, because as we’ve seen from GWB’s mandate it affects us all and not only americans. Plus between Sarkozy’s declaration of love to the pope (“every frenchman has God in his heart”, yeah right), the rise of the hard right and the growing anti-muslim sentiment, I fear we’ll soon have the same problems you’re facing.
Well written, Jessica, and I look forward to reading more from you!
Keep up the good work. It’s gotta be hard, but you’ve got a whole lotta people rooting for you.
We’re behind you.
Greetings from Sweden!
Keep fighting the good fight. What you, Damon and Harrison are doing is incredible and you will hopefully be an inspiration for future generations of atheists. Stay strong.
Thank you for all that you are doing in the face of such opposition! Please keep us updated.
You should consider making a post at reddit.com/r/atheism. There is a large, thriving atheist community there that can offer lots of support.
Like other commenters here, I was also a Christian during my high school years. I have no doubt that your work will persuade some of your peers to critically examine their beliefs, perhaps for the first time in their lives.
You are part of a movement that will find itself in history books of our children’s children.
Man, I wish I lived in America, so I could support you in this. You rock, and don’t you forget it!
I really can’t put into words how proud I am of you kids. Your bravery and passion in the face of extreme oppression is unbelievable. While most teenagers are worried about every little aspect of their social standing you and the others mentioned are mature and strong enough to see what’s really important and take action to do something about it.
When I was in high school I could never have dreamed of something like your issue, and all of the other legal battles going on across the country right now, taking place. And I’m not talking “back in the day” either, this wasn’t even a decade ago.
I wish there was more I could do than simply offer my support and tell you that you’re not alone, as I’m sure you already know that. The progress that you make today is paving the way for a better future for all of us. We love you and wish you the best of luck and we’ll be behind you all the way through.
As a descendant of Roger Williams and a lover of all things New England (grew up in MA, not far away), I am appalled to hear of this! You might want to remind them that Rhode Island was founded on religious toleration and accommodation, not intolerance! (The oldest synagogue in the country, Touro Synagogue is in Newport.)
Is it me or does it seem like there are more and more stories about overt religiousness in the public realm in all areas of the states? Growing up WASP in the 70′s/80′s, religion was hardly ever discussed as it was considered rude and I knew no one who was particularly religious. Whatever happened to manners?
Jessica, you are an admirable person who is taking a principled stand! Keep up the good fight and know there are lot of people out there who support you!
I just wanted to say, you are a brave young lady. The world could use more people like you. I was reading your first paragraph here and I stood shocked. I almost could have written it myself.
Good luck in all your endeavours.
Jessica,
Just wanted to say that you are a great American. Keep up the great work!
Also here via The Friendly Atheist. I hail your courage and resolution in the face of so much fear-driven anger from your “peers” and teachers.
You understand, as they do not, what it means to be a citizen of a truly inclusive society. They’ve lived in their comfortable bubble so long they’ve forgotten (or possibly never even known) that it IS a bubble… and there’s a much larger world outside it.
Keep fighting the good fight. As you’ve found out, you’re not alone.
Great job Jess!
Keep up the good work of preserving our Constitution!
I also became an atheist at a young age, and like you protested having the Bible as a literature text in English class in middle school. It was a small, private school, so my protest worked, and went on unnoticed by the community at large. You are brave to continue on in your fight given all the publicity and push-back (not sure I could have handled that kind of pressure).
Just know that things will get better as you move through life. You will continue to find friends that are like minded, and even have real friends who are believers that will respect your opinions, or respect your right to believe as you wish.
When you reach college, you will see groups of people that are just like you. You will not be alone, as more and more atheists come out of the closet. At the univeristy level, you will be able to speak your mind without fear of persecution under the wing of academic freedom. You will be able to throw your hat in the ring of rational discussion, and will see that there are others like you willing to fight for their beliefs, whatever they may be.
Best wishes.
JJ
young people like yourself and the students you mentioned in this post are what gives me a sense of hope for our future.
I grew up very, very, very Christian. Very rightwing, conservative Christian. 5 years ago I came to the same awakening and now call myself an agnostic with atheist leanings. Usually I keep fairly quiet as I live in the belt buckle of the Bible belt and I have 4 kids. I need to not make them pariahs, especially since one of them claims to be Christian. Another one is an avowed atheist, at age 10. I’ve had to talk to him about being respectful and careful as all of his friends are from very conservatively Christian families. The other two are too young to know which way they think and I don’t care to try to influence them. They need to decide for themselves when the time comes. FWIW, my hubby calls himself Christian still too (albeit in a very liberal sense of the word.) My sole goal in regards to religion with them is to teach them tolerance of other people’s religious beliefs. I don’t care if what religion (or not) they end up in, they just need to be tolerant and accepting of other people’s beliefs. And when my very Christian family says prayers, I expect them to sit quietly and not be disruptive (but I’ll be damned if I will bow my head and “pray” along with them, lol.)
It’s been a hard row for me and I feel quite alone sometimes. Fortunately I have a good online support of people like me who left my former religion. That helps a lot. I hope you know that there are a lot of us out here who would LOVE to see all this religious crap removed from the schools… though I don’t know that I would have the guts to make as big of a stink about it as you are.
Watch out Cranston…Jess is here, and there’s no stopping her now! You are theeeeeeee best!
I will always keep your inspirational quote close to my heart…but first I have to share it with all who follow your blog..
“Knowing I’m right makes it easier. The hate has been cancelled out by enCOURAGEment.”
-Jessica Ahlquist
15 yr old Cranston High School West sophomore on the bullying she has been subjected to because of her atheist status
Jessica,
You are one badass, brave chick. I commend you for your courage in standing up for what’s right, against single minded adults and students alike. You are indeed an inspiration.
It sickens and terrifies me that religion–something that touts love, understanding, acceptance and goodness–can be so horrifically blinding for its followers, allowing them to wield their beliefs as the only way to think.
Thank you too, for showing adults like myself that teens aren’t lazy, uninformed or unintelligent. I’m so tired of my generation accusing yours of inaction, when we (and our elders) are the ones that should be leading by example, instead of failing on such a great scale in society.
You are most awesome.
Kristy Rowe
Denver, Colorado
wow – amazing and humbling. a captivating first post. i can only stand back and admire your conviction and courage. i hope there are no ‘dark days’ for you – but if there are, please re-read these comments and know that you are not alone.
Great job Jessica! Keep up the fight… Once you graduate you can go to a college in a much more enlightened area.
Never back down, Jessica. You’re an inspiration to many and an incredibly brave person!
Very brave….know that there are bunches of people behind you. Logic will always win in the long run.
Just heard you on “The Non-Prophets.”
Well done. Keep fighting the good fight.
Excuse the length of this post:
You said:
———-
“One student asked how he felt about the prayer banner which was clearly painted on the wall right beside us. He pointed to it and passionately said “I would like to see that prayer stay exactly where it is!” The applause he received for this would probably be comparable to that of the applause for the cure of cancer.”
———-
A cure for cancer? Hardly.
My first thought was daily ovations the “dear leader” in Pyonggyang, North Korea. This is groupthink, not a “right to pray”, and the punishment of non-participants. US daily pledge and flag worship is a big part of the problem. Why be surprised that one form of imposed dogma is being used to impose another, that the religious add worship of nation to worship of “god”? I bet many religious people in the US would welcome gulags for atheists.
“School prayer” is still officially legal in most of Canada, but rarely happens. There is no pledging or flag worship, and the offensive “god save the queen” is only used at certain events. Some people get pissy if I or others won’t stand for the national anthem, but I’ve never experienced violence over it. Rabid nation-worship is rarely seen, and you won’t find large numbers of christians trying to force their views on others in schools. (Well, catholic-run public schools are the exception, but then those schools also had a problem with priestly pedophilia….)
George Bu**sh** started the fascist government agency, “Homeland Security”. But Americans who can’t stand non-participation in prayer, pledge or flag worship reek of “homeland INsecurity”. A country that demands reverence doesn’t deserve it.
An atheist against mandatory prayer is not trying to ban religion, and not participating in flag or pledge worship is not disloyalty or treason. Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames are christians who participated in such daily religion and nation-worship while spying for the Soviet Union and Russia.
Bravo to you and your courage to stand up in the face of imposition/inquisition of religion, especially at so young an age.
.
I’m as proud of you as I would be of my own daughter. You are to be commended for standing up to what is right. I wish you well.
I’m pleased to see all these positive comments.
Hello Miss Ahlquist, and greetings from southwest Virginia (where in Giles County, there is currently a kerfuffle over the 10 commandments being removed, re-posted, and re-removed in public schools).
It is obvious from your writing style (1st blog post?!? WOW) that you are an exceptionally intelligent young lady, and I wholeheartedly applaud your efforts.
It is a very brave thing indeed, to stand up to a privileged majority, especially at your age, when peers can be inconceivably cruel.
Stand tall, and proud, because you are doing the right thing.
Mike Clemens
Roanoke, Virginia
It’s some shame you don’t have a relatively give money button! I’d definitely give money for this excellent web page! I just suppose for now i’ll be satisfied with bookmarking not to mention adding a Feed towards your Search engine profile. I just take a look forward towards unique messages and often will share this unique weblog with the help of your Squidoo team: )
One thing that often surprises me is how people forget that public schools are government-owned, government-established entities. It takes an official action of a government agency to establish a public school. As the legislature that created the government agency is enjoined by the First Amendment, so too is the government agency that creates the school. This also means the school inherits the same injunction of the First Amendment that applies to the government agency and the legislature.
I find it heartening that one so young has the intelligence to see through millenia old myths and the idealism to know what is morally right and the courage to stand up for her convictions regardless of the personal cost.
You are behaving like a real American, those who abuse you are cowards.
Have no doubt that The Founding Fathers would support you against the ignorant rabble.
You are so much more advanced than your classmates and teachers and the Rhode Island school board. Pity them in the willful ignorance and petty nastiness.
The world needs more people like you! Keep up the good fight, Jessica.
Fantastic blog about How to make smiley faces where u have to use the alt button and codes? | Facebook Smiley Codes, it’s keeping me from working Thanks for that awesome posting. It saved MUCH time Such a well crafted blog post you’ve got here. You were able to really identify the key aspects that really matter. I rather enjoy reading your blog, the standard of the details is excellent along with your way with words really makes it easy to absorb and understand. Love it! Keep up the great work.
Seriously, what is the difference between these religious fanatics and the Taliban?
Neither group really follows the teachings of their prophets (Mohammed or Jesus) who both taught a doctrine of peace and love.
There have been interesting studies done on why some places are more religious than others. Originally, it was thought that it was all down to poverty and lack of education. However at the start of the 21st century that doesn’t explain America’s very high rate of religiosity as compared with other democratic western nations (Europe, Japan, Canada and Australia). Instead, it is now found to be more pervasive in more unequal societies. In other words, where you have greater income disparity, and less government social support (as in Europe with healthcare and education), you are more likely to find higher levels of belief in a god. This would explain why religion is on the rise in both China and Russia (countries that had relative financial equality and now have a greater income divide).
God essentially is a social prop for the insecure. Fix that, and we’ll get rid of religious fanaticism and bigotry.
Those are not considered western civilization they are actually eastern civilization and if you really cared about your beliefs as an American you would respect others beliefs also. I am also starting a petition to keep the banner up.
Canada is not a western nation? Dude, we wear them like a hat – are you saying that America is not a western nation?
Jessica,
You are an absolutely inspirational, eloquent young woman, with a clear vision of the world we live in. It’s pathetic so many sheeple need to follow each other like lemmings off a cliff to feel secure. Our planet is but a mere spec in billions of GALAXIES yet sheeple need to believe that one force created it all and “chose” “us,” substitute your particular tribe. Of course this mythology morphs over time from when it was ok to have slaves, only men could be part of the club, etc… It’s sad that so few can see clearly. I am thankful for you and your clear voice.
Well done Jessica!
If you have ever read the bible by the way from the way you are talking you would know that it does not exclusively say that god chose humans. In fact it says he created all life in the universe. Before you start arguing against something why don’t you study it first.
Really? So you can provide me the passage which says this because I am fairly certain that none of the bibles I have seen have any mention of the UNIVERSE in them at all. The Heavens, sure. The night sky, okay. But the Universe – I think you might be taking liberties with your interpretation. Unless maybe you are reading from one of those 80′s hipster bibles written to show the kiddies how cool religion is supposed to be.
Not once have I ever read a passage that referred to god creating non-terrestrial life so perhaps the studying that needs to be done is by you. You can’t just take a passage that says ‘god created the heavens and the Earth…’ and extrapolate that it means ‘and all life there in’ if you believe the bible is the inerrant word of god. Wouldn’t he have remembered to mention something like that?
Hey, I just wanted to tell you that you are awesome! I’ve been leaning towards atheism and reasoning since I was 6 years old and was desperately trying to explain to my fellow students how Santa Claus could not possibly be real. Needless to say, my anti-Santa Claus views were met with hate back then and even the students who found that I was right (and their parents) were mad at me for ruining CHRISTmas for them. I kind of kept my opinions to myself after that, but reading your story makes me realize I have to come out of the closet and defend my constitutional rights. I’m 25 now and I’ve waited way too long. Thanks for your inspiration!
Just wanted to offer felicitations on your courage and dedication to upholding the tenets of our Constitution. As you are obviously experiencing first hand, atheist are the most villified and hated minority in the U.S. It takes a special individual to do what is right without ignorance of the consequences; and to do so with the measured responses and lack of temerity that you have shown is doubly impressive.
Keep up the good work.
My spouse and i felt really more than happy that Chris could conclude his inquiry from your precious recommendations he gained using your weblog. It’s not at all simplistic to simply happen to be offering tips and tricks that people today may have been making money from. And we also already know we’ve got the blog owner to thank because of that. The type of illustrations you’ve made, the simple site navigation, the relationships you will make it possible to foster – it’s mostly excellent, and it is letting our son and us feel that the subject matter is awesome, which is certainly incredibly essential. Many thanks for the whole thing!
Hello Miss Ahlquist,
Coming from someone who has lived all his life under a religious state, I admire you and your brave heart.
Everyday I have lived the horrid and chaotic life under a non secular system and I assure you – you are doing the right thing and a great one indeed. A task that is even a service to the hateful crowds against you-but they cant comprehend it under the circumstances.
keep up the good work and let me just remind you that you don’t need to be an atheist to believe or seek separation of church and state…(not that i believe in any of that religious crap myself…) Secularism is the way to go as it has proved over the past 250 years to be the dominant trend worldwide… you are not alone
best
afshin
Hi I think you need to look over the constitution again as this is the free speech of a student not the school. A student can put whatever they want on the wall. Since your the only one with a problem I think you should just drop it and stop trying to get attention. P.S. I respect your atheist but you are trying to force your beliefs on others. Just drop it.
>>”this is the free speech of a student not the school. A student can put whatever they want on the wall.”
The fact that the school had this prayer on the wall for fifty years obviously means that they endorsed it. To argue that the school didn’t endorse this speech is disingenuous.
>>Since your the only one with a problem I think you should just drop it and stop trying to get attention.
Yeah, you’re right, John. Just like Rosa Parks was the only one with a problem with the bus seating arrangements in Montgomery. I mean, no one else complained that a minority was being discriminated against! She was obviously just looking for attention, not trying to make sure the US Constitution was upheld. How unreasonable.
>>”I respect your atheist”
You obviously don’t, seeing as how in your next comment you stated that “Also I find you Atheism offensive.”
>>”you are trying to force your beliefs on others.”
Cranston High School Board members are the ones forcing their beliefs on others, namely Jessica Ahlquist, in this case.
>>”Just drop it.”
You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Just drop it. Just stop trying to uphold the document this nation was founded on. Just stop trying to ensure fair treatment of religious minorities. Just stop asserting that the majority doesn’t have the right to trample on others. Just drop it.
Separation of church and state is not in the constitution as it is an “Implied” interpretation. Also according to federal law which goes above state law you as a minor have no civil rights or rights at all. You also give up your civil liberties the second you walk into a public school. Also I find you Atheism offensive.
I loved you statement regarding Mayor Fung. “I’m sure Mayor Fung feels quite confident about the next election now.” So true, and a reminder of what we see from Presidential candidates, particularly the Republicans but not excluding Democrats.
You are a brave young lady. It is difficult enough to be an adult atheist at times, but you are holding your ground at an age and in an environment where peer “acceptance” is even more important to most. Way to stand your ground
Dear Artist,
I do sincerely feel sorry for you and the people that are lacking in faith.
You are losing out my friends and eventually you will find the truth or hopefully a small piece of it.
Best,
Bjorn
Allow me to express the same opinion – I am sincerely sorry for you and people like you that are enslaved by faith. While believing in the invisible and unprovable seem to be a great comfort to some you are missing out on experiences here in the real world. Hey, I understand the desire to escape reality, I used to play Dungeons & Dragons when I was a kid, but as an adult I no longer spend my time in fantasy pretending to be a powerful half elven wizard. I moved on. I hope one day you will see what a crutch god is for you and you will put it aside and stand on your own two feet.
So, was that as condescending and offensive as what you wrote to us?
You are truly an inspiration to us all. Your fight for justice and equality is perhaps the most important one of all.
I came across a link to your blog through an AlterNet article today. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for fighting this fight, especially at this time in your life. Thank you for sharing your story, because your story is the story of so many others; those who still remain in the closet, those who are scared, are terrorized – thank you. Perhaps someday, our brethren will understand that we’re all in this together: Atheist, Agnostic, Pagan, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Christian….
But until then, may we all find the courage that you’ve shown in your fight.
Thank you.
http://i.imgur.com/Jn2Qq.jpg
Fixed it for you.
It was suggested but the school said “No.”
Pretty pathetic if you ask me……good news is someday we all die, and its lose/lose for you!
You die and there is no God…..nothingness
You die and there is a God….hell
So either way you’re screwed….enjoy your life!
Having lived a life free from blind faith and irrational thinking is hardly a lose/lose proposition. That’s a life well spent.
So, you’re suggesting we just start believing? T’hat’s a nice idea, but I can’t make myself believe by simply saying “OK, now I believe in God!” any more than I can say “I can now bench press 500 pounds!” or “I’m dating a swimsuit model!” and have those things happen.
I (and most others) didn’t become an atheist because I saw evidence for God’s existence and turned my back, but because I saw no evidence. I can’t pretend to myself that I did.
Do keep in mind there are religions other than Christianity, and yours may very well not be the correct one.
Why did you go to a school which was obviously grounded on the tradition of that prayer?
The school in question was not founded on the tradition of that prayer, since it is a public school and is a facet of the federal government. Therefore, it is subject to the constitutional requirement that the federal government not give preference to one religion over another, or over a lack of religion. If the residents of Cranston want to have a school founded on a tradition of prayer, they can start their own private, religious school, one that is not supported by the tax dollars of Rhode Islanders.
“This country and all of the beautiful liberties it has were not given to us by God.”
That is what you believe and that’s fine. The Declaration of Independence states quite the contrary, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
While I disagree with your position on the prayer banner issue, there is no reason you should have been treated as you were by your fellow students and administrators.
Do you truly believe in freedom of religion or are you looking for freedom from religion? Too often it’s the latter.
Freedom of religion includes from it. I’m not paying taxes to fund religion in schools, much as you don’t donate to churches to be taught science.
Freedom of religion includes the freedom not to practice one.
“that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” – just because an important document states it as true, does not mean it actually is true. Also, the Declaration of Independence is not U.S. law.
You are truly an inspiration to every sane person on the planet. That all those people who threatens you even dare calling themselves christians is repulsive. What they say and what they do completely goes against what Christianity teaches. Keep doing what is right and know there are thousands of people who support you!
Much love from Norway!
Let me start out by saying I admire your courage and intestinal fortitude, but the mistakes you make are important to point out. This country was founded on Judeo Christian values not secular whatever you were talking about the other day in the paper. Roger Williams was the founder of this state but according to my best friend Scott who is a former detective sgt., computer genius, and history buff. Basically the smartest person I know and I know alot of people. Roger Williams was an eccentric to say the least. (check personal bio on that). Listening to your words, overtones and general hatred for anything religious or somewhat religious doesn’t sound like courage it sounds more like rage. In other words, I feel you are quite the intelligent young women but your inability to see the other side will be your undoing. People will not see you for the charming, witty person you are but for an intolerant left wing kook who is a puppet of her athiest father. By the way that is not how I feel about you! I feel you have not informed yourself or your friends of all the good that catholics and christians have done for the needy, all the hundreds of Aids victims in Africa, and environmental work performed throughout the world. I believe there was a better solution to this. Have a prayer from all religions and an Athiest prayer encouraging all people to think for themselves. When you villify all christians because of a few bad apples, you become what you despise, intolerance. Interesting point here; someday if/when you get married and have kids you might, just might become a tad bit conservative. Good luck and don’t forget to be a little more understanding of people that are different than you… Take care, Paul
Paul, what you and others are missing in this case is that Jessica is not an atheist attacking Christian belief. She is not trying to “vilify all Christians.” She’s not denying the right of Christians to pray when and how they like. She’s attempting to ensure that the Constitution is upheld and that public schools, which are facets of the federal government, do not violate the Constitution by establishing one religion over another, as was done by Cranston High School in this case. There’s a difference.
>>”This country was founded on Judeo Christian values not secular whatever you were talking about the other day in the paper”
I’d like to quote you the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli: “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.”
Read that again: “.. the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”
I’d say that President John Adams knew more about the beliefs this country was founded upon than does your buddy Scott.
>>” Listening to your words, overtones and general hatred for anything religious or somewhat religious doesn’t sound like courage it sounds more like rage.”
What has Jessica said that makes you think she hates anything religious? Everything I’ve read that she’s written indicates that she’s willing to live and let live, but that she merely wants to ensure fair treatment of religious minorities.
TO FJ LAST, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TALIBAL(MUSLIM) AND ALL OTHER RELIGIONS IS THAT MUSLIMS ARE THE ONLY RELIGION TO THIS DAY THAT BLOWS PEOPLE UP FOR WHOM THEY DISSAGREE!!!!!
Here’s some terms I’d like you to google, Paul:
“Guy Fawkes”
“Aum Shinrikyo”
“Orange Volunteers”
“Anders Behring Breivik”
“Ulster Defence Association”
“Clifford Peeples”
“Centennial Olympic Park bombing” and “Eric Rudolph”
“Tim McVeigh”
“Murder of George Tiller”
“Eden Natan-Zada”
“Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin”
“Operation Freakout”
Then come back and see if you can still honestly assert that only Muslims have ever committed religious terrorism.
If students are initiating prayer at their graduation it isn’t actually school(state) sponsored prayer, it’s free speech.
Jessica. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in especially when society and the powers that be try to make you conform to group think. I know I got harassed in high school because I would not stand for the pledge of allegiance. Take courage, never surrender and always stand up for what you believe. Love is stronger then fear.
Matt. Students initiating prayer at graduation ceremonies, sports events or other public events has been found to be unlawful by federal courts. It gives the appearance of the public school/government endorsing the student’s particular religion. Students can pray silently anytime they want. Also they can pray in small groups as long as they don’t disrupt secular class activities.
Jessica, I admire your courage and agree with Rev. Anderson that people should be ashamed of themselves for the way they have treated you.
It is also embarassing to me that people know so little about the history of our country and our founding fathers. Oue educational system in this country is dispicable and may ultimately be the downfall of our society. America was NOT founded on Christian principles. There is not a SINGLE word in two two documents upon which our country was founded (the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States for those of you whom the educationl system in this country has failed). Not ONE word about Christianity, Christian principles, the Bible or Jesus Christ.
During the Revolutionary period, the Christian clergy made numerous attempts to have references to Christianity added to the Constitution and they were denied time and time again by our Founding Fathers.
In 1997, our Congress UNANIMOUSLY ratified the Treaty of Tripoli, which contained the following statement, “the governement of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion”. Pretty clear, right?
The national motto wasn’t changed to “In God We Trust” until 1956, 180 years after the country was founded and the phrase “Under God” wasn’t added to the dollar bill until 1954.
I am especially embarassed being a Rhode Islander as Roger Williams spearheaded religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Educators, especically those in Cranston, are missing an opportunity to use a current topic to teach students about the TRUE history of this country. These events, and your courage Jessica, are providing incredible opportunities to keep students interest in a topic that many young people, for reasons I can’t seem to understand, probably text through during class.
I was shocked when I read in the Projo this morning that teachers are avoiding the subject, even the SOCIAL studies teacher at Cranston West. They should be using the opportunity, not dismissing it.
Again, thank you for your courage Jessica, and there are many of us out there – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist – that support what you are doing and what you stand for. You should be proud!
Oops! The Treaty of Tripoliwas signed in “1797″ not “1997″! By the way, it was negotiated by George Washington and signed by John Adams.
Jessica,
You are my new hero. I have been following your story and I support all that you have been doing. I am an government/history teacher in Arizona. You should be applauded for the way you have handled yourself against religious zealots. You are making history! Keep up the good fight!
Mr. Thomas
Hi Jessica,
I heard the story about your constitutional battle in RI on NPR today in San Diego. I was really impressed and supportive of you efforts to hold your position so firmly in ensuring the seperation of church and state at your high school. As the mother of a 16 year old daughter, I appreciate how atypical it may be for a teen to be sophisticated enough to go against the norm and stand up for not just your strong beliefs but our constitutional rights. Don’t let your community get you down – know that there are many supporting you and your perserverance!
Best regards, Julia
Hi Jessica
Just wanted to say you are my newest hero(ine).
to all the religious people complaining and hating: I’d like you to think about how you would feel if some other religon than your own was up there. P-O’d? well we atheists just have one extra religion that we don’t want being promoted by governments
peace and love from Wales, UK
I judged you as a creep and I just want to apologize.
Dear Jessica,
What you did wasn’t something that merits “Christians” to send you such awful, hypocritical, and judgmental threats. You stood up for your rights, that isn’t something to send you such abusive comments about. I, as a Christian, am thoroughly disgusted by the so-called “Christians” who threaten you and call you “evil”. Jesus told us to love EVERYONE, no matter what their religion or sexuality is, and to not judge people. Those so-called “Christians” are being complete hypocrites. I can’t stand it when anyone sends ANYONE hateful messages, no matter who the person receiving the abuse is. I also dislike it when people try to shove their religions down other people’s throats. I just wanted to let you know that I support your rights as an American.
-A fellow Rhode Islander
Jessica,
I heard about you from Damon. Look I am a Wiccan myself, and frankly I cannot understand how you not believing harms anyone. I also cannot understand what some of those Christians are so afraid of, unless their own belief is rather shaky. What I believe is not affected by others, or how many agree with, would practice my belief if I was the only one doing it. You have every right not to believe, lets face it no one can prove which belief is right, so you are just as likely to be right as anyone else. Meanwhile keep up the good fight for we need plenty of strong women to get this country straightened out. If men could run the world they would, but they have not done very well by themselves yet. So we apparently need the women to bring their strength the problems as well.
meanwhile if you ever need any support, you will get it.
“so you are just as likely to be right as anyone else”
That is false.
Is it more likely that there is a sun or not a sun?
We can fully understand that some explanations are more likely than others, because there is independent verifiable evidence to support those explanations.