Should the Ten Commandments be displayed in schools? Kern County community members shared their opinions on the proposal, some arguing that it violates the principle of separation between church and state.
Yesterday, the Kern County Board of Education considered whether the Ten Commandments should be displayed in Kern County’s public school classrooms.
The proposal was presented by Pastor Angelo Frazier of RiverLakes Community Church, who believed the Ten Commandments would bring back “things that have always been there,” into classrooms and focus on historical documents.
The Ten Commandments are a set of ethical and religious principles that are foundational in Judaism and Christianity.
Community member Paul Linfesty told the board that it is a parental choice to teach these values at home or in religious settings, not in the classrooms.
“I know how much some of these people in the audience are always talking about parental rights. They do have that right on their own, but they don’t really have the right to [dictate] to other parents how they should be raising their children,” said Linfesty.
Community member Alan Crowder criticized the proposal for being unconstitutional and for misdirecting focus from critical educational challenges.
“Our kids are in a school district that is the 45th worst school district in the state by county. I think we’ve got a lot of things that need our attention more than this,” said Crowder.
Some members of the community said it would be a waste of taxpayer’s money.
Linda Fidler warned the board about the potential backlash from voters for misusing taxpayer funds. “Think about this before you vote one way or another,” she told the board.
Pastor Chuck Schauber, told the board that posting the Golden Rule instead would be a more inclusive and cost-effective option that aligns with the principles of various religions.
“I think that posting the Ten Commandments in our classroom is a crazy idea. I bet you there’s probably not ten churches in all of Kern County that post the Ten Commandments…” said Pastor Schauber. “I have an alternative, though, that I want to offer, and it’s the Golden Rule. Jesus himself said that all the Law and the Prophets are summed up in the Golden Rule.”
After the public comments and Pastor Frazier’s presentation members of the board shared their thoughts on the matter as well. Several board members said there is an Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, while other members argued that posting the Ten Commandments as a historical document does not violate the Constitution.
“I’m kind of in a different position being an attorney. I’ve always been taught to keep church and state separate. I am a Christian. I believe in the Ten Commandments. But it sounds like the majority of the people here, even the ones that are Christians, don’t want the Ten Commandments in our schools,” said Joe Marcano, Trustee Area 2.
Trustee Area 1, Julie Beechinor said she is frustrated that the discussion is being driven by political motives rather than the needs of students.
“I took the oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of California and to support student education. That is what I will do. I am not here to run on a political agenda or title or tag or whatever everybody wants it to be. I am done with that,” said Beechinor.
Loir Eskew, Trustee Area 5, believed that the Ten Commandments would be a “wonderful foundation for our children. It is what our nation was founded on… But I understand the legal side of it too.”
