Religious Contradiction, Hillsborough County School Board

Approve the Agreement for Technical Services for the Homeless Education and Literacy Project, Approve Memorandum Agreement with Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Programs, and Approve Memorandum Agreement with The Centre for Women are a few of the many recommendations and reports of superintendent requiring board approval listed on The Hillsborough County School Board Agenda for October 6th. However, while the title of an agreement may sound perfect and beneficial it is always important to read in between the fine lines to see what it is you are really complying with.

An Agreement for a $33,700 Grant between the City of Tampa and The School Board of Hillsborough County for childcare and early education will also be discussed on the October 6th Agenda. The contents of this agreement follow standard protocol dealing with rules and understandings such as: Period of Agreement, Payments, Cancellation of Agreement, and Affirmative Action, Nondiscrimination, and Equal Opportunity. Nevertheless, Article V111, Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Rules, Regulations and Laws are always one of those paragraphs to observe the fine lines.

Article V111, Section (a) – “Religious Activities. The agency agrees that funds provided under this Agreement shall not be utilized for inherently religious activities prohibited by 24 CFR 570.200(j), such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. In accordance with Executive Order 13279, the Agency agrees that it may engage in inherently religious activities providing they are voluntary for participants in activities funded through this Agreement and occur separately in time or location from these activities (http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/boardagenda/pdfs/BD20091006_362/Attch_20091006_362_A5.18.pdf).”

This article contradicts itself by stating at one point that no money can be spent on religious activities, and then makes an exception that it may if it is voluntary. The first rule was no money was to be spent and when exceptions are made there is then room for debate, flaws, and conflicts.

Beverly Wickson, Ed.D., Director, Early Childhood and HOST Programs explains the main purpose of this program is to support childcare for children 100 percent. She explained that it is to provide working families with an opportunity to have their children watched over by professionals with a reasonable price based on their income.

While this program serves a great purpose, it is important to understand the ups and downs to having your children in the care of others. When looking at the facts it states that participating in religious activities have to be voluntary, however, the volunteers are the children, and the children are 10 and under, so is it safe to allow children of this age make decisions on societal cults, such as religion? Or is it fair that money that could be spent on common knowledge’s that children need to learn could possibly be spend on an activity such as learning a prayer, that may be essential to some people but not all?

The program serves a great purpose and may sound perfect and beneficial but it’s always important to read in between the fine lines to see what you are really complying with.