Our Ethical DilemmaLiz Leikam

Raquel MendozaAdrienne Simmons

You are a P.E. teacher and you have an Islamic student in your class who needs time to pray during your class period. You feel that he should be in class during this time and can pray at a different time. What do you do?

Identify the ethical dilemma that the teacher must resolve

TITLE 19 EDUCATION PART 7 STATE BOARD FOR

EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION

CHAPTER 247 EDUCATOR’S CODE OF ETHICS

RULE §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Specify the specific standard(s) in the Texas Code of Ethics

(1) Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance(G) Standard 1.7 The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other applicable state and federal laws

(3) Ethical Conduct Toward Students(B) Standard 3.2 The educator shall not knowingly treat a student in a manner that adversely affects the student’s learning, physical health, mental health, or safety

Texas Code of Ethics(b) Enforceable Standards

This dilemma relates to student’s rights for practice of religion in schools

Identify the ethically relevant issue

Identify all people or groups that need to be considered

The student who needs time for prayer The family of the student All classmates Parents and families of other students Teacher Aide (if applicable) Potential substitute teachers Principals and other school administrators

Review existing court cases, applicable laws, and national and district policies

Texas Code of Ethics regarding religion in schools and the rights of students

A surface knowledge of the student’s religion

Is this school public or private?

Identify what information is needed to be fully informed

Option 1◦ Allow the student fifteen minutes during class

time to excuse himself for prayer Option 2

◦ Give all students a fifteen minute recess/free play time at the start or end of class and allow the student the use of the office to pray in private

Option 3◦ Do not allow the student time to pray

Potential Courses of Action

Short Term Consequences◦ Anger◦ Jealousy

Ongoing Consequences◦ 15 minutes a day lost◦ 50 hours yearly lost

Long-Term Consequences◦ The option will have to be offered every year to

each new class of students

Option 1 Consequences and Costs

Psychological Consequences◦ Resentment◦ Embarrassment

Social Costs◦ Embarrassment◦ Isolation

Economic Costs◦ No economic costs have been identified with this

course of action

Option 1 Consequences and Costs

Short Term Consequences◦ Exercise of first amendment rights◦ Happiness

Ongoing Consequences◦ Parents upset◦ Anger

Long Term Consequences◦ Fairness and options

Option 2 Consequences and Costs

Psychological Consequences◦ Relief◦ Fairness

Social Costs◦ Friction

Economic Costs◦ No economic costs identified

Option 2 Consequences and Costs

Short Term Consequences◦ Anger◦ Phone calls◦ Conference

Ongoing Consequences◦ Negative attitudes◦ Student involvement

Long Term Consequences◦ Outcry from Muslim community◦ Intolerance branding

Option 3 Consequences and Costs

Psychological Consequences◦ The Muslim student will suffer immediately

because he is being barred from completing a religious ritual

◦ The student could feel ostracized inferior, which could lead to problems in other academic areas

◦ The parents will most likely feel anger and the same inferior treatment

Option 3 Consequences and Costs

Social Costs◦ Intolerance◦ Negative attitudes and friction

Economic Costs◦ Legal action◦ Suspension/Termination

Option 3 Consequences and Costs

Lemon v Kurtzman (1990)◦ Three pronged test established

McDaniel v Paty (1978)◦ Freedom of religious exercize

Sherbert v Verner (1963)◦ Acknowledgement of religious traditions

Supreme Court Cases

Department of Education◦ Code 25.901

District Policies◦ Klein ISD

Other Policies

Complies with Texas Code of Ethics Complies with policies at all levels

Evaluation

 We make a commitment to stand behind the Texas Code of Ethics and the US Department of Education policy in support of religious freedoms for students and equity for all students by allowing a fifteen minute break for all students at the same time.

Commitment Statement

Upset Parents

Negative Consequences

Stand by decision Educate others

Plan for correction