Group wins lawsuit over Christian Flag dispute
A five-year battle over the Christian flag has been decided in court. According to reports, the city of Boston denied a group requesting to display the Christian flag in front of Boston’s City Hall in 2017. The flag was to be displayed as apart of Constitution Day. According to the group, the city had previously accepted 300 applications from various groups to display their flag in front of City Hall. The only application denied was to display the Christian flag. The group later sued and were represented by Liberty Counsel. The case was later repealed to the US Supreme Court, who ruled unanimously in favor of the group. The city of Boston has agreed to pay 2.1 million dollars in damages and legal fees. Attorneys for the city of Boston claim the flag was denied due to officials’ belief that allowing a religious flag was unconstitutional. Justices with the Supreme Court commented in their ruling that rejecting the flag based on it being a religious symbol was discrimination. Attorneys for Liberty Counsel released a statement saying in part, “Never give up, there are things worth fighting for and victory over religious discrimination is one of them.”
Cadets at West Point given deadline to take COVID shot
Cadets at a US Military Academy were given an ultimatum on Veteran’s Day. Cadets at the prestigious West Point Academy were informed by military officials to take the COVID shot within 12 hours. The cadets and other service members had filed a motion in court to have the requirement dismissed. The case was denied on November 2nd, but they were not informed until Veteran’s Day. Cadets were then informed they had 12 hours to make the choice to take the shot or not. The information also included statements that claimed their military career would be harder to navigate if they refused, and discharge would make it difficult to secure a job in the civilian world. The US Military remains one of the areas in the federal government that still requires the COVID shot. Thousands of members of the US armed forces have filed lawsuits to receive religious exemptions. Thousands more have left the military in protest. Experts believe this refusal to remove COVID shot mandates will cause a depletion of US military forces over time. The Pentagon has reported an all-time low in recruitment for the US military; the shot requirement is believed to be a part of the resistance by new recruits to enlist.
Teacher in California uses controversial “gender unicorn” for small children
A teacher in California is being criticized for her lecture on young children and gender identity. According to Fox News Digital, the website has obtained a video featuring Danita McCray.
Ms. McCray was lecturing as part of the 2021 California Teachers Association conference and instructing teachers concerning gender identity. In the lecture McCray encouraged the teachers to use the controversial “gender unicorn”. This tool is used by some school districts to introduce gender identity and sexuality to children as young as toddler age. During the conference Ms. McCray claimed the tool is a part of positive strategies to support transgender and gender non-conforming children. When asked by members of the audience if this subject was too mature for young children McCrary commented that it was not and claims, referencing her doctorate degree, that she had done her research. She also claimed her teaching methods were appropriate for children as young as three years old. McCrary made further comments that if parents did not like her methods, they can move their child out of her class. The teacher is employed by the Sacramento City Unified District in California. The California Teachers association is affiliated with the National Education Association. When questioned about the comments, representatives from the school district said they were looking into the comments made by Ms. McCrary, but they strongly supported the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming students to ensure a safe and civil environment.
SNBC HEALTH Report: the effects of prayer and faith on teens and young adults
Researchers with Springtide Research Institute followed teenagers and young adults between the ages of 13 to 25 for the study. Dr. Josh Packard says the study found this age group flourishes more than peers when they are people of faith and have a connection with those beliefs. Those who pray more tend to flourish especially in areas of mental health according to research. The data also pointed out increased wellness in other areas. Social interaction including church, also showed signs of strengthening mental health according to the report. 42 percent who attend weekly church services reported better mental health and well-being. 92 percent reported having a more satisfied contentment in their life compared to adults who attend church services less. In addition to the study research from the Barna Group reports 61 percent of adults who actively practice their faith and attend church have better relationships with others from friendships to work compared to other US adults.