Public School Denies Christian Student's Observation Request
by Jim Brown
January 22, 2004
(AgapePress) - A student at a Christian school in Tennessee was recently barred from visiting a local public high school.Greta Kiser is a senior at Elk Valley Baptist Academy in Estill Springs. She recently requested permission to observe classes at a local public high school as part of her research project on the difference between public and Christian schools. But Kiser's trip to Franklin County High School left her surprised and disappointed.
The senior explains that she went to the school office to obtain a visitor's pass. Accompanying her was a friend, a student at Franklin County High. Kiser says when she explained her reason for being at the school, they were directed to the principal's office.
"So we asked the principal's secretary [for the pass], and she quit rudely told us that she didn't think so, but we would have to talk to the principal," she explains. "We went and talked to the principal, and we told her the reason that I was there -- and she told us that I was not permitted to sit through the day."
According to the principal, Sandra Stewart, it is against school policy for students to bring visitors to class. Kiser says the experience has given her a stronger appreciation for her current learning environment at Elk Valley Baptist Academy.
"I love going to a Christian school. It's wonderful," she says. "In every class, the Bible is taught and the teachers are very sure to tell you the gospel -- all the education is from a Christian perspective."
Another local public high school has since granted Kiser permission to observe classes for a day.
