Caruthers, a Baptist minister’s wife, teaches school at a private prep school which is not affiliated with any religion. She gives her elementary school students Christian terms as spelling words, decorates the classroom with religious items on Christian holidays, and engages her students in religious lectures. Jewish and Islamic parents complain, as do some who wish to take care of their children’s religious education at home, and Caruthers’ principal tells her to end the religious activity. Caruthers objects to the warning, saying “witnessing” this way is a part of her religion and she feels compelled to do so. What should the principal do? Be specific!
Students in private schools enjoy protection for their free-speech rights and religious freedom. Teachers, however, are limited in their rights since they are government employees. Teachers can exercise religious practices in the schools as long as they meet the academics guidelines and do not hurt the religious sentiments of others. In the given case, Caruthers not only celebrated Christianity but also involved herself in delivering religious lectures to the students which are in a complete violation of religious freedom. In this case, the principal can strictly ask Caruthers not to involve herself to deliver religious lectures but to focus on academics. She has to understand that if the constitution allows her to practice religion it also, at the same time, protects the rights of others. In case, Caruthers does not comply and continues with her religious lectures, the only option left with the principal will be sacking her on the ground of violating others' religious freedom.
Caruthers, a Baptist minister’s wife, teaches school at a private prep school which is not affiliated...
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