Evangelical students are harassing and bullying non-Christian children at a Kentucky public school, a mother reports, and teachers are contributing to the problem.
Heather Estes first told her story in a private Facebook group for atheists, and has since gone public.
Estes said her children and others have been targeted for not attending a daily Christian service that takes place in the school, Stanton Elementary, before the start of the day. It is called Upper Room, and is described on the Powell County Schools website as “a non-denominational, student-led, Christian organization.”
Estes said students who don’t attend have been verbally abused as well as physically attacked – including having tables shoved into them.
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She also said that when her son went to his teacher to speak about the issue, he was told he would have to stand in front of the class and defend his beliefs. For the record, the burden of proof is on those who believe in talking snakes, virgin births, women turning to pillars of salt, resurrections, and the like, not those who question such extraordinary claims.
“You’re going to have to stand up for yourself if you insist on being different,” the teacher reportedly said. “Historians agree that the Bible is the most historically accurate book of all time.”
It should go without saying — but since this is America we are talking about, it doesn’t — that this is one of the most laughably insane sentences it is possible to utter.
“My children are asked every day, ‘Do you believe in God? Why don’t you go?” Estes told the local NBC affiliate.
She added that her son has “been told by teachers things like the atheists will be eaten by bears.”
Because apparently torturing young minds with the concept of hell isn’t enough for some Christians.
Watch Estes speak with the local news channel below.
