Ethical Humanist Award
Sunday, November 4
11:15 AM
Auditorium
Matthew, son of Essex Ethical Culture Society members Debra and Paul LaClair, demonstrates how an ethical upbringing can lead to ethical actions. Matthew had a social studies teacher who “taught” his class that evolution and the Big Bang were not scientific and that there were dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark. Upset by the fact that his teacher, who is a Baptist youth minister, was bringing religion into the classroom, Matthew secretly recorded several of his religious statements.
When the recordings became known, Matthew was harassed and ostracized by some of his classmates and even received a death threat. Last February his parents prepared to sue the school district for violating Matthew’s civil rights and failing to protect him from harassment. A settlement of the case was eventually reached requiring both teachers and students in the district to attend a training session offered by the Anti-Defamation League on the wall of separation between church and state. The settlement also praised Matthew for his “exemplary action in standing up for his constitutional rights and the integrity of education.”
It is for his courage in pursuing this matter in the face of serious opposition that he is to receive the 2007 Ethical Humanist Award.
A reception will follow in Social Hall.
