Here is an interesting article.  One that caught my attention for a reason.  Again my opinion will be in orange at the bottom of the article.

DEAR MS. VICKI: Support available for Wiccan mom

Vicki Johnson
Sunday, February 1, 2009

Dear Ms. Vicki,

I was told that you give good advice to military families and others. I'm writing because my children are being discriminated against by their teachers and administrators because we are Wiccans.

It all started when other children at their school found out we are Wiccan. The students now call my children witches and warlocks.

I know my children are being harassed, and this is not fair to them. Their grades are now falling tremendously.

I have complained about this to the teachers, counselors, assistant principal and the principal. They have done nothing about it.

I wanted to use this experience as a learning tool, to teach others about our lifestyle without imposing our views on others. It was my desire to stay calm and educate only to stop the fear and harassment. I asked to do a professional development session for the staff and a presentation to my children's classrooms. I know this would help others understand, so they would stop judging and name-calling.

The teachers would not hear of this. They all said it would infringe upon the rights of other students who do not want to hear about Wiccans.

Now I don't know how to help my children and I feel helpless. My husband wants me to keep my mouth shut because it would draw too much attention to our family and may affect him in his Air Force career. He acts like he is scared and doesn't want to touch this issue. I just don't think this is fair to my children. It's not their fault we are Wiccan. What should I do next? • Concerned Parent

Dear Parent,

Thank you so much for sending me so much information about Wicca. To be honest, I had heard about Wicca a few times, but had never taken the time to gather information about the religion.

I am concerned about your children and their emotional and mental well-being. Because you live in Maryland, my first recommendation would be for you to visit the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Andrews Air Force Base. Ask to speak to the school liaison officer, a professional who could lend a listening ear and let you know what recourse you could take and what could be done, i.e., whether you should take this to the school superintendent.

Second, I think you should speak to someone in your Wiccan group for support. I'm sure they would understand as no doubt others have faced the same reactions.

Third, I think your children could use some professional counseling and support.

Understand that I'm not saying Wicca has caused the problems. However, I think the harassment and other mistreatment should be addressed. For this reason, I think you should call Military OneSource and ask to be connected to a professional therapist or counselor in your community.

Lastly, you and your husband should spend some time together, talking about your religion and discussing ways you can come together and provide support to each other and your children.

• Vicki Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker, military spouse and mother of three. Her Dear Ms. Vicki column runs in The Washington Times on Thursdays and Sundays. Contact her at dearmsvicki@yahoo.com.

For one thing, the US Military acknowledges Paganism, Wiccanism, Satanism, and other religions other then the three monotheistic religions (Islam, Judiasm, and Christianity) and their many branches.  The fact that the teacher is ignoring the situation of harrassment is WRONG.  It does not matter what you belief, as a teacher you should make sure that ALL students fell comfortable with the learning inviroment.  PERIOD.  The father should not have to worry about his career because of his religious beliefs or those of his spouse and children.  What they believe and do at home is no concern as long as the children are healthy and happy.

I personally had to explain to the courts what Paganism and Wicca was because they saw the ring I always wear and were worried about how the children would be raised in that enviroment.  After answering their questions and correcting them on information they had pulled up from on-line (not always the best source to go to), I asked them if I was Catholic or Baptist, would they have asked those parents the same questions.  They told me no they would not have had as much of a concern.  I'm sorry, if you ask one parent you ask ALL parents!!!  I know of good "Christian" family that fathers abuse the children and mother, murder, et.  But their religion is not brought up in court like it would have been if the parent was a follower of another path.  NO Satanists do not believe in harming children (at least the ones I know don't), they respect life and respect those that treat them with respect.  No Witches and some Pagans do NOT sacrifice animals (the ones that do are protected by law...and they use chickens and such animals that are consumed after the ritual as it is, not cats and dogs!), in fact many are animal loves and love children. The thing with Paganism, there is many different branches of that path just as there are many different branches of Christianity.  They have similar core beliefs but there are many different views and such; And since we do not have a central governing body like most religions, people don't see us as being really orginized or legit.  But we are, and we have to deal with more then most people.  It's not right, nor is it far to anyone.

The mother was not in the wrong for wanting to give her kids a chance to explain her beliefs in an understanding enviroment.  If a child or a parent of that child did not feel comfortable with that class topic then the teacher needs to find another activity during that time (a visit to the library would be a good place) and allow the other students to at least listen and learn.  I was raised Mormon and have lived in areas that are still to this day very anti-Mormon, and had to defend myself and stand up for what I believed in then.  I too had lost friends and pissed off a few teachers over the year because of it.  Maybe that is why I have no problems explaining my beliefs to this day.  Just as I will still explain Mormonism to people in a way they can understand it, though I have not been an active member of that faith in YEARS!

Pagans and Wiccans have no issues of answering questions of their beliefs.  Many are extremely intelligent and love to learn and that is one thing they really do focus on.  You are more likely to find more books then things such as d.v.d's and t.v.s in their house.  They don't believe in forcing their religious beliefs on anyone else, and are hard to find when you first start looking into the path yourself.  We don't go door to door asking you if you have "found the Goddess and God" and invite you to our next circle.  We do not have missionaries to go out and save people souls.  I know I will invite missionaries into my home for discussion, but because I personally like to learn about others beliefs, not because I want to convert to that said belief to save my "soul" or the "soul" of my children.  Who by the way are currently being raised as Christians themselves.

I guess that is enough for now...until next time.

Silver Faery

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