CATOOSA COUNTY, GA. (WRCB) -- Another north Georgia school is under fire for
promoting religion.
Lakeview Middle School is the latest to be targeted by the Freedom From
Religion Foundation, which claims a sixth grade science teacher crossed a line,
by witnessing to students through music.
Thursday, the school system is responding to that allegation.
Heather Moorman isn't shy about her faith. She's written songs about what
she believes.
Her MySpace page is full of pictures of mission trips and worship services. But
they are passions the Freedom From Religion Foundation says do not belong in
the classroom.
"She got in trouble for singing Christian songs," Lakeview seventh grader,
Janiya Young says.
The group sent a letter to Catoosa County Schools earlier this month, claiming
Moorman was sharing her Christian experiences and witnessing to students during
instructional time.
The letter went on to demand an investigation and action.
Thursday, Catoosa County Schools responded, saying it was investigating. But a
news release later confirmed the investigation is over.
Marissa Brower, spokesperson for Catoosa schools, wrote in a statement that students
requested Moorman sing a song she had written, which contained a religious
reference.
A co-worker raised concern with administrators, who then addressed the issue
with Moorman.
"I think it's okay because it's spiritual and who doesn't want to learn about
God," says Janiya.
Janiya Young says she never minded Moorman's singing when she was in her class,
but the seventh grader's mom can see why students of other religions may see
things differently.
"For it to be played and talked about in school, that may not be a good thing
because you have different religions," Latoya Smith says. "It can come off as
offensive."
It's not the first time the Freedom From Religion Foundation has taken action
against a local school.
In 2009, LFO cheerleaders were banned from writing bible verses on banners.
Last fall, the watchdog group demanded Ridgeland High School football coach
Mark Mariakis cease praying with players before games.
UTC halted prayer over the loud speaker for the same reason.
Janiya Young just hopes this latest case doesn't hurt one of the teachers, she
says, students love the most.
"She's a really good teacher," Janiya says. "She was a good teacher to me."
The statement from Catoosa County Schools went on to say Moorman will not face
disciplinary action.
Channel 3 attempted to reach Moorman to get her side of the story, but we
were unable to.
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