It depends what your parents have signed. Some schools are run like a theocracy in that your parents agree because the school is private to give up certain rights on your behalf. Of course you have the constitution on your side, but it's all sort of moot, considering you're not likely gonna call in lawyers to get out of a detention.

What do you think the school will do? We recently covered this in a show and in some cases they kick you out if they find out you're an atheist, this could be your ticket out of there should you want it.

I'm not sure what "your rights" are completely, but you might not be out of bounds by refusing to go. They might not be out of bounds by giving you detention for a month either.

Here's what I suggest to people in this predicament:

Go, but don't participate.

To be candid, this is what any [i]true[/i] free thinker should have no problem doing. While we are of an enlightened mindset and realize that they are wrong, it's still a good idea to, as a good Catholic friend of mine put it, "go to mass so you can say, 'This is what I don't believe in'."

[quote=Maz Medias]
Go, but don't participate.
[/quote]

Sorry that I didn't mention this. I figured you knew that was an option. I also figure the prayer is led by a Pastor in which you are silent, however if you are supposed to speak, obviously keeping your mouth shut is the easiest form of protest. But then the question remains... is that within your rights there?

What did your parents sign?

I think the only thing my parents signed was that I abide by the handbook. However the student handbook says this on Bias and Prejudice:

"Because Christian Brothers Academy is a community based upon the Gospel teachings of Jesus, it expects that its students will treat one another and the greater community with respect and fairness. Bias and prejudice based on race, creed, ethnicity or other differences will not be tolerated at CBA. Students exhibiting such behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. The associate principal for Student Affairs will determine what proper action is to be taken."

It does NOT matter what your parents have signed. Parents do not, do not, do not, do not, DO NOT have the ability to sign away a child's rights, that is against the law, it is illegal. Period. You have any right you would normally have, no more, no less. If you don't want to pray, you do have to pray. If you don't want to be religious, you don't have to be religious. If you want to exercise free speech, when you are not being disruptive, you may do so. If anyone says other wise, they are wrong. Completely, totally, and utterly wrong. I don't care what their rank, name, title, age, of numbers are, they're wrong.

Nobody will argue that that should be the case, but I'm not sure whether it is actually illegal. Contracts are, by their definition, a legal agreement, and if the agreement is breached, so is the contract. This might mean certain behaviors could result in discipline or expulsion. Since a child does not have the legal rights to sign a contract in this country, the parents agree on his/her behalf. While I think there is probably constitutional groudns to overturn the contract, I don't know that that's the case. Without going into legal action, there could certainly be issues though. Still, as a matter of principle, I think you know where I'm going to stand...

[quote=Samuel]It does NOT matter what your parents have signed. Parents do not, do not, do not, do not, DO NOT have the ability to sign away a child's rights, that is against the law, it is illegal.[/quote]

While maybe I could agree it should be, it's not. A parent takes childrens rights away from them every day. Survey the population of troubled teens at military academies and ask them if they'd rather be back in their public school... ask them if they'd rather use their freedom to go to another school.

[quote]If you don't want to pray, you do[nt] have to pray.[/quote]

Obviously. And the school may have the right to put him in detention for one hour every day for a month after school. It all depends on what the parents signed. In this case it seems he can use their contract against them should they choose some sort of "punishment" like that.

[quote]If you don't want to be religious, you don't have to be religious. If you want to exercise free speech, when you are not being disruptive, you may do so.[/quote]

Yup, and they may be able to give him some sort of reprimand or punishment as a result.

[quote]If anyone says other wise, they are wrong. Completely, totally, and utterly wrong. I don't care what their rank, name, title, age, of numbers are, they're wrong.[/quote]

Call me wrong, fine by me. It's not a very strong argument though.

To take a stand, one sometimes must face the consequences of going against the system. It's all a matter of figuring out what your consequences are likely to be and deciding if you're willing to risk it. If all you're going to get are detentions, then I personally would do it to make the stand.

Since I am a senior in high school, I am wondering whether it's worth it to take a stand. I can withstand detentions. I don't think I can stand getting transferred to another school the last year of high school. On the other hand, I think it's important that I stand up for my beliefs. Maybe I'll talk to my guidance counselor and ask what possible repercussions to my future actions.