Christ on Cross Drawing Grounds for School Suspension in Massachusetts

An 8-year old boy was suspended earlier this month from his Taunton, Massachusetts school because of the 'violent' picture he drew.  He was ordered to seek a psychological evaluation due to the graphic nature of his drawing, shown above.  This after being instructed by his teacher to draw something that reminds him of Christmas.  The boy's father has since transferred his son to another elementary school.

Read the full story HERE at the Taunton Daily Gazette.  Secularism at a new height of lunacy. 

UPDATE 12/17/2009:

This press release appears on the Taunton School District website:

Taunton Public Schools - Response to Recent Allegations
TAUNTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
110 County Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone (508) 821-1100
Fax (508) 821-1177
Press Release
Contact: Julie Hackett, Ed.D.
Phone: (508) 821-1100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5 P.M. EDT, December 15, 2009
TAUNTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS - RESPONSE TO RECENT ALLEGATIONS
TAUNTON, MA, DECEMBER 15, 2009: 

It has been reported in the media that a student was suspended over drawing a rendering of Jesus Christ on the cross. This report is totally inaccurate, and the student was never suspended. This incident occurred nearly two weeks ago, it was handled appropriately, and the school staff and family had been working together in a cooperative and positive manner.

The drawing published in various media outlets is not the same drawing that was discovered by the teacher. It has not been established whether the drawing was actually completed in school. Contrary to what has been reported, there was no request or assignment by the teacher for students to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas or any religious holiday.

The inaccuracies in the original media story have resulted in a great deal of criticism and scrutiny of the system that is unwarranted.  In this case, as in any other case involving the wellbeing of a student, the administration acted in accordance with the school department’s well-established protocol. This protocol is centered upon the student’s care, wellbeing and educational success. The protocol includes a review of the student’s records, discussions with staff, central administration, school psychologists and other community resources. Decisions were made only after this protocol had been completed, including a consultation with a veteran staff member with a background in clinical psychology and a Ph.D.

It is unfortunate that the actions of our district staff have been classified as “religious” in nature when, in fact, they were based solely on the wellbeing of the student. At this time of year, Christmas is one of many religious and secular holidays. Taunton, known as The Christmas City, takes pride as a community in celebrating this Christian holiday together with Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and many others. In the school district, it is our goal to provide the opportunity for all students to be well-rounded, and it is our responsibility to help them attain their social, emotional and academic goals regardless of their religious affiliation.