Bottom Of The Barrel

Snow days vs Religion

Lawrence School Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy recommended Good Friday, which falls on April 10, as a date for making up one of five days lost because of bad winter weather this school year. "A lot of students go to school that day," Laboy said. "I hope we don't appear to be sacrilegious in that way, but we don't have a lot of days."

In response, school committee member James Vittorioso said "I may not be the greatest Catholic, but I do go to church. I think it's a disgrace." Mr. Vittorioso continued his crusade last night on WBZ's radio program Nightside with Dan Rea. He argued that they should not open on Good Friday because many parents have already vacation plans so opening on this day would not work. He also said opening on a Saturday or running into July will also lead to low attendance - again because of parents keeping their children home for mostly vacation reasons.

I guess school is all about vacation and no longer about education or the future of the next generation. So much for that. He additionally commented that the founding fathers clearly wanted separation of church and state. Unfortunately for Mr. Vittorioso, separation of church and state would actually mean they should have class on a religious holiday instead having the day off. It may all be a moot point since Teachers' union president Frank McLaughlin called classes on Good Friday a contract violation and pledged to file a grievance if Laboy follows through.

Good luck to the school district and hope the students enjoy classes this July!

Labels: School

posted by TheWino @ 9:04 AM