The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-01-10
UP TO THE BOARD.
edible in Schools Controversy
Takes New Turn.


again over the trouble that has arisen
as a result of the resolution adopted
by the board that there should be read
ing from the Bible and reciting of the
Lords prayer at the opening of the
public schools each day.
When the resolution was adopted the
board endeavored to shoulder the en-
tire responsibility onto Superintendent
Davidson. The school board las en-
deavored to evade all responsibility and
yesterday J. B. Billiards. son, Philip
school in North Topeka and as a result
the board will be forced to take action
in the matter which will be brought be-
fore that body Monday night by Mr..
Billiard.
At the meeting of the schoal board
Monday night the matter was not
brought up. The board wished to
avoid it and the members were not anx-
ious to go on record. After the meet
ing was over the members secretly got
together and held what they called IAN
executive session" and again evaded re-
sponsibility by passing a resolution.
Superintendent Davidson then issued
the following circular letter which was
sent yesterday to all principals:
Principals:
At a meeting of the board of educa-
ton last Monday night the following
resolution was passed:
Resolved. That all pupils in the To-
peka public schools shall refrain from
pursuing their studies during any of the
general exercise periods of the schools,
and that at such periods they shall con-
duct themselves in as quiet and in as
orderly a manner as they are required
to during any other Of the school ex-
erciseS."
Your position in the matter of not
having compelled nor required any pu-
pill of your school to participate in the
special form of opening exercise of the
e-al,- ~ 1n1 Nv he rd Of
education under date of December 2
either by reading in concert a selection
from the Bible, by the repetition of the
Lords Prayer or any other form of
prayer, or by the singing of any song
is the correct one and meets with the
fullest endorsement of the board. The
board understands further that at no
time has any pupil been threatened by
any pricipal with suspension because OF
his failure to participate in any of these
exercises; but the board insists that
misconduct or disobedience on the part
of any pupil during the opening exer-
ner as misconduct or disobedience
transpiring at any other of the school
exercises.
that he must object to the form of ex-
ercise called for by the recommendation
December 2, there can be objection to
granting his request that his child be per-
mitted to come to school Immediately at
the close of the opening exercise period:
provided always, of course, that in all
cases where such request shall have been
granted the pupil shall conduct himself
in an orderly and quiet manner on the
grounds, in the halls and upon entering
his ROOM
In all buildings provided with a princi-
pals office such pupil may be permitted
to take his seat in such office and pursue
his studies there during the opening exer-
else period. However, in accordance with
the resolution of the board of education
quoted above, no pupil should be per-
mitted to pursue his studies while seated
in any room where any general exercise
is felt, would affect seriously the dis
cipline of the school
Let it be understood once for all, that
there has not been, nor will there be, in
any of the schools of Topeka the least
shadow of effort to compel any pupil
to participate in the opening exercise of
the school Such participation has been
on the part of each pupil. The request
for absence from the room at that period,
however, shall be granted only on the ap-
plication of the parent Yours sincerely,
w. M DAVIDSON.
Superintendent of Schools.
Although the circular letter allows the
pupils who do not wish to take part in
the religious exercises to adjourn to the
principals room Mr.. Billiards. son was
in the exercises. 1t done in order to
force the board of education to take defin-
lite action in the matter. The trouble has
been that the board gracefully backed out
and left Superintendent Davidson with
the burden. He in turn loaded it onto
the principals and they showed it off on
the tea cherS. No one seems to want to