QUESTION
Are my children are being discriminated due to religious observances? How?
Asked on Aug 04th, 2015 on Litigation - Michigan
More details to this question:
I have been taking my children to mass once a week and then bringing them in an hour late to school. I asked their teachers and the front office before ever taking them. Today I was told that the truancy officer was contacted. Now that one hour a week is considered unexcused. I need them to attend during the week due to my work and the church mass schedules. What if anything can I do?
6 ANSWERS
Thomas Edward Gates
You can retain an attorney to represent you.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2015 at 12:35 PM
Ronald A. Steinberg
Public school take precedence, and so you will have to do the religious stuff AFTER school, or early enough that they get to school on time. What you are saying does not appear to me to be religious discrimination. Additionally, you are screwing up their school experience, which will impact their ability to get into college.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2015 at 12:27 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
at
Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
Update Your Profile
Contact the truancy officer yourself and tell him/her what's going on. Make an appointment with the vice-principal, sit down and talk with that individual in person. Without accusations or raising your voice, explain that your schedule and religious needs require this accomodation. Also, maybe you could see about making other adjustements? Can you adjust your work schedule? Get transportation help for the children with some other church member?
Answered on Aug 05th, 2015 at 8:11 AM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Madison, WI
at
Richard B. Jacobson & Associates, LLC
Update Your Profile
Your best remedy is with the school board. You might also check the federal Freedom of Religion Act. Check with a local lawyer who is well versed in school law.
Answered on Aug 04th, 2015 at 10:37 PM
James Eugene Hasser
Quite possibly your 1st Amendment rights have been violated. Consider consulting a civil rights lawyer.
Answered on Aug 04th, 2015 at 6:09 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
at
Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
Update Your Profile
Probably not, this is up to the school district as to whether such a senses are excused. The children are required to be in school by law. You may have to find another Mass which is not during school hours.
Answered on Aug 04th, 2015 at 6:05 PM