Student Suspended for Refusing to Step on Jesus

[East of Eden]

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/03/21/fa ... -on-jesus/

Wonder if they would make students do that to the names of Muhammed or Obama? Probably not, they seem to only like to push boundaries on things that don't push back.

Does anyone not find this objectionable?

[Wyvern]

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/03/21/fa ... -on-jesus/

Wonder if they would make students do that to the names of Muhammed or Obama? Probably not, they seem to only like to push boundaries on things that don't push back.

Does anyone not find this objectionable?

Yes. That's cruel and serves no educational purpose.

If I was in charge, the teacher would be fired and facing legal consequences.

For what? Having his students step on a crumpled piece of paper? How fast do you want to be laughed out of court.

[perfessor]

Suspension seems quite extreme, based on the account. The student has still had the opportunity to take the lesson on board: he now has a greater appreciation of the poor Muslims, and can see their rage at the Mohammedan cartoons in a new light. You know, do unto others and all that.

[pmprcv]

For what? Having his students step on a crumpled piece of paper? How fast do you want to be laughed out of court.

For the same reason that calling black people the n word and saying that they are all a bunch of uneducated criminals should be legally prosecutted. For the same reason that saying that all Jews are an inferior people and they should all be exterminated should be legally prosecutted. I guess you don't think these offenses are worth fighting against, but I do.

[JoeyKnothead]

Given the case as presented - and I find it credible...

For those who reject even placing a cleaned up and scrubbed up foot on their beliefs, even if ya got your toenails done for it, I'm with ya.

The ability to "stomp on my own beliefs" should lead to an indication that I accept my own fallibility, and that's fine for me, but it's a rotten tater that'd ever ask folks with sincere beliefs to do them some stomping on the very beliefs they hold so dear - no matter how worthy of a stomping those beliefs may be.

Ya don't just ask folks to write down their beliefs and then ask 'em to trample on 'em for some goofy intellectual score.

Unless ya just wanna show just how goofy your own beliefs may be.

[100%atheist]

[Replying to post 1 by East of Eden]

The story seems to be quite bogus.

Here:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/college- ... %E2%80%99/

I found the description of the exercise:
“This exercise is a bit sensitive, but really drives home the point that even though symbols are arbitrary, they take on very strong and emotional meanings. Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper. Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence, instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can’t step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.�

So, NUMBER 1: NO STOMPING ON JESUS WAS REQUIRED!

Here is the message from the University:
“We sincerely apologize for any offense this has caused. Florida Atlantic University respects all religions and welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs…. Contrary to some media reports, no students were forced to take part in the exercise; the instructor told all of the students in the class that they could choose whether or not to participate…. While we do not comment on personnel matters, and while student privacy laws prevent us from commenting on any specific student at the University, we can confirm that no student has been expelled, suspended or disciplined by the University as a result of any activity that took place during this class… This exercise will not be used again….�

So, NUMBER 2: THE STUDENT WAS NOT SUSPENDED!

Somebody here is on a mission to distort the truth.

EDIT:
Here is more:
http://www.cbs12.com/news/top-stories/s ... 6060.shtml
They even can't match the title of the story with facts!!!
The student seems to be a liar because the suspension is something that just can't be done without documentation. On record, the student says only that he himself doesn't want to come back to class, but how this is twisted into a suspension is beyond my comprehension ... by the Holy Ghost, naturally.

EDIT 2:
EoE, you are known for bringing up bogus information previously. Please Please, I ask you again, check your stories, check multiple sources, wait a couple of days for development, etc. before re-posting such stories and making conclusions. I am sure there are terrible stories of terrible Atheists horribly punishing Christians for their Christian beliefs ... somewhere. I will be all with you on the outrage ... but sorry, not this time.

[East of Eden]

[Replying to post 1 by East of Eden]

The story seems to be quite bogus.

Here:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/college- ... %E2%80%99/

I found the description of the exercise:
“This exercise is a bit sensitive, but really drives home the point that even though symbols are arbitrary, they take on very strong and emotional meanings. Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper. Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence, instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can’t step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.�

So, NUMBER 1: NO STOMPING ON JESUS WAS REQUIRED!

Here is the message from the University:
“We sincerely apologize for any offense this has caused. Florida Atlantic University respects all religions and welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs…. Contrary to some media reports, no students were forced to take part in the exercise; the instructor told all of the students in the class that they could choose whether or not to participate…. While we do not comment on personnel matters, and while student privacy laws prevent us from commenting on any specific student at the University, we can confirm that no student has been expelled, suspended or disciplined by the University as a result of any activity that took place during this class… This exercise will not be used again….�

So why isn't that exercise being used again, if it was all bogus? The student didn't say he was suspended by the school, just by the teacher.

Somebody here is on a mission to distort the truth.

Pot, meet kettle.

EDIT:
Here is more:
http://www.cbs12.com/news/top-stories/s ... 6060.shtml
They even can't match the title of the story with facts!!!
The student seems to be a liar because the suspension is something that just can't be done without documentation. On record, the student says only that he himself doesn't want to come back to class, but how this is twisted into a suspension is beyond my comprehension ...

He said the teacher suspended him, naturally the teacher and school would want to backpedal on that. If the class suspension was withdrawn and the student invited back to class, I can see how he wouldn't be comfortable there, making it no less an outrage. Why is it you doubt everything the student says, but don't question the teacher or school who were embarassed by this? They certainly have a motive to fudge what really happened.

EDIT 2:
EoE, you are known for bringing up bogus information previously.

Baloney, cite or retract. I'll add you are well known for making slanderous accusations with no backup when confronted with inconvenient evidence.

[East of Eden]

Suspension seems quite extreme, based on the account. The student has still had the opportunity to take the lesson on board: he now has a greater appreciation of the poor Muslims, and can see their rage at the Mohammedan cartoons in a new light. You know, do unto others and all that.

There's a big difference between free speech and forcing someone to do something highly offensive to their beliefs. Was anyone making Muslims view the cartoon they didn't like?

[micatala]

[Replying to post 1 by East of Eden]

The story seems to be quite bogus.

Here:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/college- ... %E2%80%99/

I found the description of the exercise:
“This exercise is a bit sensitive, but really drives home the point that even though symbols are arbitrary, they take on very strong and emotional meanings. Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper. Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence, instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can’t step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.�

So, NUMBER 1: NO STOMPING ON JESUS WAS REQUIRED!

Here is the message from the University:
“We sincerely apologize for any offense this has caused. Florida Atlantic University respects all religions and welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs…. Contrary to some media reports, no students were forced to take part in the exercise; the instructor told all of the students in the class that they could choose whether or not to participate…. While we do not comment on personnel matters, and while student privacy laws prevent us from commenting on any specific student at the University, we can confirm that no student has been expelled, suspended or disciplined by the University as a result of any activity that took place during this class… This exercise will not be used again….�

So why isn't that exercise being used again, if it was all bogus? The student didn't say he was suspended by the school, just by the teacher.

Somebody here is on a mission to distort the truth.

Pot, meet kettle.

EDIT:
Here is more:
http://www.cbs12.com/news/top-stories/s ... 6060.shtml
They even can't match the title of the story with facts!!!
The student seems to be a liar because the suspension is something that just can't be done without documentation. On record, the student says only that he himself doesn't want to come back to class, but how this is twisted into a suspension is beyond my comprehension ...

He said the teacher suspended him, naturally the teacher and school would want to backpedal on that. If the class suspension was withdrawn and the student invited back to class, I can see how he wouldn't be comfortable there, making it no less an outrage. Why is it you doubt everything the student says, but don't question the teacher or school who were embarassed by this? They certainly have a motive to fudge what really happened.

EDIT 2:
EoE, you are known for bringing up bogus information previously.

Baloney, cite or retract. I'll add you are well known for making slanderous accusations with no backup when confronted with inconvenient evidence.

I can certainly provide citations of East of Eden providing erroneous information. If requested, I may take the time to provide citations from the forum.




In the present case, I would certainly agree with East of Eden that if the original report were accurate, the professor exercised poor judgment. On the other hand, just the fact that the university or the professor decided not to use the exercise again is not an admission of wrongdoing. They may simply have decided it was not worth further controversy.

At this point, I will reserve judgment.

[East of Eden]

[Replying to post 1 by East of Eden]

The story seems to be quite bogus.

Here:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/college- ... %E2%80%99/

I found the description of the exercise:
“This exercise is a bit sensitive, but really drives home the point that even though symbols are arbitrary, they take on very strong and emotional meanings. Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper. Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence, instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can’t step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.�

So, NUMBER 1: NO STOMPING ON JESUS WAS REQUIRED!

Here is the message from the University:
“We sincerely apologize for any offense this has caused. Florida Atlantic University respects all religions and welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs…. Contrary to some media reports, no students were forced to take part in the exercise; the instructor told all of the students in the class that they could choose whether or not to participate…. While we do not comment on personnel matters, and while student privacy laws prevent us from commenting on any specific student at the University, we can confirm that no student has been expelled, suspended or disciplined by the University as a result of any activity that took place during this class… This exercise will not be used again….�

So why isn't that exercise being used again, if it was all bogus? The student didn't say he was suspended by the school, just by the teacher.

Somebody here is on a mission to distort the truth.

Pot, meet kettle.

EDIT:
Here is more:
http://www.cbs12.com/news/top-stories/s ... 6060.shtml
They even can't match the title of the story with facts!!!
The student seems to be a liar because the suspension is something that just can't be done without documentation. On record, the student says only that he himself doesn't want to come back to class, but how this is twisted into a suspension is beyond my comprehension ...

He said the teacher suspended him, naturally the teacher and school would want to backpedal on that. If the class suspension was withdrawn and the student invited back to class, I can see how he wouldn't be comfortable there, making it no less an outrage. Why is it you doubt everything the student says, but don't question the teacher or school who were embarassed by this? They certainly have a motive to fudge what really happened.

EDIT 2:
EoE, you are known for bringing up bogus information previously.

Baloney, cite or retract. I'll add you are well known for making slanderous accusations with no backup when confronted with inconvenient evidence.

I can certainly provide citations of East of Eden providing erroneous information. If requested, I may take the time to provide citations from the forum.

OK, if you want to play that game I'll do the same for you. What 100% atheist did seems to be right out of the Alinsky playbook, demonize the messenger and ignore the issue.

[100%atheist]

[Replying to post 1 by East of Eden]

The story seems to be quite bogus.

Here:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/college- ... %E2%80%99/

I found the description of the exercise:
“This exercise is a bit sensitive, but really drives home the point that even though symbols are arbitrary, they take on very strong and emotional meanings. Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper. Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence, instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can’t step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.�

So, NUMBER 1: NO STOMPING ON JESUS WAS REQUIRED!

Here is the message from the University:
“We sincerely apologize for any offense this has caused. Florida Atlantic University respects all religions and welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs…. Contrary to some media reports, no students were forced to take part in the exercise; the instructor told all of the students in the class that they could choose whether or not to participate…. While we do not comment on personnel matters, and while student privacy laws prevent us from commenting on any specific student at the University, we can confirm that no student has been expelled, suspended or disciplined by the University as a result of any activity that took place during this class… This exercise will not be used again….�

So why isn't that exercise being used again, if it was all bogus? The student didn't say he was suspended by the school, just by the teacher.

Somebody here is on a mission to distort the truth.

Pot, meet kettle.

EDIT:
Here is more:
http://www.cbs12.com/news/top-stories/s ... 6060.shtml
They even can't match the title of the story with facts!!!
The student seems to be a liar because the suspension is something that just can't be done without documentation. On record, the student says only that he himself doesn't want to come back to class, but how this is twisted into a suspension is beyond my comprehension ...

He said the teacher suspended him, naturally the teacher and school would want to backpedal on that. If the class suspension was withdrawn and the student invited back to class, I can see how he wouldn't be comfortable there, making it no less an outrage. Why is it you doubt everything the student says, but don't question the teacher or school who were embarassed by this? They certainly have a motive to fudge what really happened.

EDIT 2:
EoE, you are known for bringing up bogus information previously.

Baloney, cite or retract. I'll add you are well known for making slanderous accusations with no backup when confronted with inconvenient evidence.

I can certainly provide citations of East of Eden providing erroneous information. If requested, I may take the time to provide citations from the forum.

OK, if you want to play that game I'll do the same for you. What 100% atheist did seems to be right out of the Alinsky playbook, demonize the messenger and ignore the issue.

I think that considering all available facts, there might be no other issue than for whatever reason the student didn't like the class (maybe because of a specific exersise). But nobody suspended the student. I am unaware of any legal way for a professor to suspend a student from class without the university suspending the student. So someone in this story is not telling the truth and I believe it is specific so-called news outlets that distort information in a way that is convinient for their stories. Notice that student is not suspended in any way without receiving an official notice of suspention. So, if this were true, there will be no problem to produce at least a copy of the suspension notice. Then, I would be totally with you that the university acted super-stupidly. However, I don't see any evidence that this is the case and anyone is going to produce an official notice of suspension. I am not at all accusing you of distorting infrmation, but you could be a bit more critical of such stories and check if they are "kosher" by anti-atheist standards.

See, I am not ignoring the issue at all. And I am not too much in business of demonising you.