Is playing christian rock on a public school bus in violation of my constitutional rights?
My bus driver in the mornings at 6:35 am plays our local christian rock station obnoxiously loud. The lyrics to the songs are obviously promoting christianity and the Dj blasts sexist politically biased bull crap constantly. Not only am I very annoyed and have complained several times but I am wondering if I have grounds on which to argue that play ing this music in in violation of my constitutional rights. The bus is funded by tax money thus is tied to government.
Since you have no choice but to listen to it, it serves no educational purpose, and it is likely proselytizing in nature, it sounds like it probably violates the first amendment. You should complain to the school board and if they don’t respond, contact the ACLU.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Probably
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February 6th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Since you have no choice but to listen to it, it serves no educational purpose, and it is likely proselytizing in nature, it sounds like it probably violates the first amendment. You should complain to the school board and if they don’t respond, contact the ACLU.
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February 6th, 2010 at 8:43 am
No, any civil right complaint would be without merit, just as it would be were the driver to listen to death metal while driving.
Your only real option would be to bring the issue to the attention of the school administration. It’s possible a reprimand could change the situation.
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February 6th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Though I am not a lawyer, the bus is contracted to the school and so is the bus driver. If this is a public school, you are within your rights to complain to the bus company and the school board.
If a student was playing the same station and had initiated it without the help of an adult staff member, you would not be able to do anything however.
The same with with prayer in public schools. If it is student initiated and student led, then there is nothing you can do about it and neither can the school. This also goes for a Valedictorian that wants to pray at graduation. However adult staff members cannot initiate it or participate.
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American Center For law and Justice. Attorney Jay Sekulow. His firm specializes in thes cases.
One more thing. If it is a private school, all bets are off. You can do nothing.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
yes…
you should file a complaint.
These religious types will try to get away with whatever they can.
I would also say that even if the music was not religious, it should not be loud or to the point where it irrates people. I would go further and say the policy should be that bus drivers cannot play the radio at all.
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February 6th, 2010 at 9:52 am
only if i can complain for the bus driver blasting democrat news
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February 6th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Absolutely, one hundred percent yes.
If you would like to put a stop to it, contact your principal by letter and copy the school board. If you get no response, contact your local ACLU chapter.
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February 6th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Yes, only if you complain and they don’t listen to you.
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