Balanced Lessons, Not Indoctrination Aclu’s Right It Protects Our Constitutional Rights.

Aaron Mason knew exactly what he was doing.

Previously warned not to bring his religious beliefs into his eighth-grade earth science class, the Cheney Middle School teacher sidestepped procedure. He admitted that he had failed to properly register a guest speaker on creationism. And in doing so, he opened himself up to severe criticism.

Mason knew his guest might not be welcome in an American public school. But he personally disagrees with the evolution lessons in his class’s textbook. So, he ignored the rules and brought a creationism spokesman and a propaganda videotape into his classroom. Are we supposed to believe that this speaker, from a group called Creation Outreach, presented a balanced view of the evolution/creation debate? No.

If a balanced lesson was what Mason was after, why didn’t he bring in two speakers to present each side of the controversial debate? Or why didn’t he develop a comprehensive lesson plan and seek administrative approval?

Mason’s two-day suspension without pay is a minor slap on the hand. Can we be sure that he or any other public schoolteacher who feels strongly about an issue will not continue to disregard procedure and expose children to slanted viewpoints? Again, the answer is no.

That’s why we have the American Civil Liberties Union. That watchdog organization vigilantly protects our invaluable constitutional rights. When it comes to the separation of church and state, the ACLU understands that government institutions such as public schools must not promote a specific religion - because when government endorses faith, it also assumes the fascist power to suppress faith.

Most people agree that studying the culturally rich and diverse religions of the world is thought-provoking and educationally valuable. That does not mean that students should undergo blatant indoctrination by one teacher on a religious mission. So, by getting involved with Aaron Mason and the Cheney School District, the ACLU guarantees that students there will be presented with a balanced education in the future.

The American Civil Liberties Union ensures that constitutional rights are not bent to serve individual purposes. Now, it is calling for stronger action against Aaron Mason. And as citizens of this democracy, we all should be grateful.

, DataTimes MEMO: See opposing view under the headline: Freedom of speech, freedom of religion

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = EDITORIAL, COLUMN - From both sides CREDIT = Elana Ashanti Jefferson/For the editorial board