Stand with Principal Shaw, and stand for the freedoms of speech and religion!
Stand with Alabama high school principal defending freedoms of speech and religion
Stand with Alabama high school principal defending freedoms of speech and religion
Leeds is an eastern suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, which straddles I-20.
Leeds doesn't normally make the news, but in recent weeks, the so-called Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a complaint with the local school district because they took offense to the Leeds High School marching band's halftime show.
Yes, you have it right. The militant secularists from the Wisconsin-based FFRF say that the band's playing of well-known religious hymns, like jazzed-up versions of 'Amazing Grace' and 'Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee' - even though they are strictly instrumental (i.e., no words are sung, or spoken) - violate the law.
In their complaint, the FFRF opined that: "Turning a school-sponsored marching band performance into a religious event violates the constitutional separation of religion and government."
But, the Greenwave (Leeds High School's mascot) Principal, Mr Brent Shaw, is standing by his marching band's right to play traditional hymns, as part of what he described in an interview with Todd Starnes, as, "a variety show with all types of cross-cultural music." Not, obviously, a "religious event."
Shaw added: "We are going to keep the music as is...We are not trying to offend anybody or convert anybody."
This petition thanks Principal Shaw for his commonsense approach, which allows the Leeds High School marching band to continue playing religious music in their halftime performance. And, the petition, which is also cc'ed to the Speaker of the House of the Alabama State Legislature, Rep. Mac McCutcheon, also encourages others, in similar positions, to follow his example.
Please sign this petition. Stand with Principal Shaw, and stand for the freedoms of speech and religion!
Also, if you wish, you may leave Principal Shaw a note of encouragement, using the facility provided in the SIGN window...then, consider forwarding this petition to likeminded friends and family. Thank you!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
youtube video showing the Leeds High School marching band's halftime show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=330&v=bD-ai91uBeM
https://www.toddstarnes.com/column/school-marching-band-stands-up-to-tone-deaf-atheists
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Thank you for your stand on religious music played at half-time by the marching band
For the Kind Attention of:
- Leeds High School Principal - Mr Brent Shaw
- And, Cc'ed to Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives - Rep. Mac McCutcheon
May I offer my congratulations and support for your commonsense approach which allows your marching band to continue playing religious music in their halftime performance.
I understand that the halftime performance is a variety show, containing music of all types, including a few traditional hymns - mixed in, among more modern fare.
Given our state's religious tradition, this is part of our culture. And, surely, as you stated: "We are not trying to offend anybody or convert anybody."
So, thank you for standing up for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I hope others will follow your example.
Thank you for your stand on religious music played at half-time by the marching band
For the Kind Attention of:
- Leeds High School Principal - Mr Brent Shaw
- And, Cc'ed to Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives - Rep. Mac McCutcheon
May I offer my congratulations and support for your commonsense approach which allows your marching band to continue playing religious music in their halftime performance.
I understand that the halftime performance is a variety show, containing music of all types, including a few traditional hymns - mixed in, among more modern fare.
Given our state's religious tradition, this is part of our culture. And, surely, as you stated: "We are not trying to offend anybody or convert anybody."
So, thank you for standing up for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I hope others will follow your example.
