Mother files lawsuit over Bible study classes in West Virginia schools

An atheist organization and a mother has sued a school district in West Virginia to put a stop to an optional Bible class. | Pixabay/joyfruit

A mother of a kindergartner has filed a lawsuit against a West Virginia school district, seeking to put a stop to an optional Bible class that has been operational in the school system since 1939.

The mother, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, is joined by her daughter, named as Jamie Doe, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) as the primary plaintiffs in the case filed on Jan. 18.

Jane, an atheist and a member of the FFRF, contended that Jamie has "an untenable choice" whether to join the Bible class or face likely ostracism for opting out.

The lawsuit named Mercer County Board of Education, Mercer County Schools, and Superintendent Deborah S. Akers as the defendants.

According to a press release from the FFRF, the classes are taught by itinerant teachers. The weekly classes are held in 15 elementary schools, one intermediate school, and three middle schools.

The classes known as the "Bible in the Schools" were initially financed designed, administered, and staffed by a small group of Mercer County citizens. But complaints from parents of eight students in 1985 prompted the Mercer County schools to take over the instruction in 1986.

In the lawsuit, the FFRF cited examples of proselytization in the curriculum. The complaint pointed out that one of the lessons promoted creationism and claimed that dinosaurs and humans co-existed.

The FRFF also noted that the students are persuaded to follow the Ten Commandments, and they are also taught about the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"The U.S. Supreme Court ruled such religious instruction unconstitutional more than 65 years ago, in the landmark McCollum v. Board of Education. It's unacceptable that such clearly unconstitutional indoctrination is still being conducted in any public schools," said FRFF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor.

According to The Christian Post, "Bible in the Schools" started out as a single course at Bluefield High School in 1939. As time passed, other schools and grade levels adopted the course.

On the issue of constitutionality, its website cited the 1963 Supreme Court Decision Abington School District v. Schempp. The decision banned school districts from mandating Bible reading and recitation of the Lord's Prayer, but it allowed for the objective study of the Bible in public schools.