The united American : a magazine of good citizenchip., February 01, 1925, Page 10, Image 10

Page Ten
THE UNITED AMERICAN
FEBRUARY, 1925
matter how limited, it is high time that we concern
ourselves with the specific standards that are now
applied in the eastern states where adult immigrant
education and Americanization has become an inter­
locking branch of public education, directed and
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES THAT CALL handled only by qualified and thoroughly trained
supervisors of public education.
FOR UNITED SUPPORT
The standard set by the American Legion as a
T'HE AMERICAN Legion in its decisions, recorded
from year to year in its national conventions, national organization should be adopted by the State
reiterates some very specific purposes for national Department of the Legion in Oregon and make this
unity progress, but whether or not the local posts and department a strong influence for the introduction of
state departments are putting their shoulders to the definite standards for adult immigrant education in
wheel, backing up these ¡resolves, is a matter of con­ Oregon, on the basis of the standards set in the eastern
part of our country.
siderable doubt.
This is not said for the purpose of creating an un­
favorable impression, for the United American believes ATTEMPTED INFRINGEMENT ON RELIGIOUS
LIBERTY
in the Legion as an agency for the development of
a constructive Americanism, an agency that is exer­ T'HE INTRODUCTION of a bill in this session of
cising a great influence for constructive and tolerant * the Oregon State Legislature making Bible read­
citizenship, but the Legion members, as citizens of ing compulsory in the public schools in Oregon natu­
the community, are apt to be very much like the rally caused considerable discussion, pro and con, in
members of most organizations — too prone to record, and out of the legislative body.
The author of the bill argued that inasmuch as the
their good intentions and, retiring from the assembly
rooms, become too absorbed in the every day matters bill provided that there should be no interpretation
of personal interest, leaving it to George, as the saying allowed there could be no infringement upon the
principle of religious liberty. That there was no logic
goes, to advance the cause of altruistic activities.
Among the objectives put on record in the last in this argument was readily conceded by those who
national convention, as matters of special Legion con­ well knew that this was impossible. A child in school
cern, we find this important subject of public welfare: cannot very well be told that, for reasons not explain­
able, it most not ask the teacher for information and
Urging state and local school departments to
explanation of historical and other subjects given
provide adequate education for immigrants.
attention in the class room. More harm than good
In this tersely stated purpose the Legion re­ would result from such procedure. Few grown people
veal’s that it is conscious that this grave problem can deligently persue the reading of the Bible with­
which confronts the nation should be dealt with with­ out seeking information and explanation from Bible
out delay and that its chief concern is ADEQUATE authorities, and it would certainly be impossible to
education for immigrants, as part and parcel of our have Bible reading in the class room and deny the
state and community system of public education.
children answers to their questions.
If we have a common concern that the children
The bill passed the Senate, but the House took an
of our land shall have the benefit of specially trained opposite view and all but the intolerant citizens will
teachers, who are required to spend years of pre­ agree that the House acted wisely and saved the state
paratory training in recognized institutions of learn­ from becoming further entangled in religious in­
ing before they can obtain certificates to teach, even tolerance and dangerous controversies over consitutu-
in a remote rural community, is there any reasonable tional rights.
defense for our unpardonable indifference as to
If the proposal was made in the interest of bringing
standards of training and adequate preparation of religion into the hearts and minds of the children of
teachers to train and educate adult immigrants?
America, for the purpose of restoring the spiritual
Volunteers may be fine citizens, but if the finest concept in citizenship, the better plan would be to
of citizens are denied permission, without special arrange for straight religious instruction, as an ad­
education, to teach our children, native-born and junct to public education. To carry out this idea it
foreign-born, there are equal and even more weighty would be better to set aside a certain number of hours
arguments why they should not be permitted to teach each week for such studies, at designated places,
adult immigrants before taking a special course of where the children could attend strictly denomina­
training in the studies that have been definitely pre­ tional classes of the faith to which their parents be­
long or, at the option of the parents, the children
pared for adult immigrants’ teachers.
To have adequate education there must 'be ade­ could attend such denominational classes as the
quately trained teachers. Those who brazenly pro­ parents should designate. Credits for these studies
fess to be so trained and who venture forth discredit­ could be either arranged for with the school authori­
ing those who have been adequately trained, yet have ties or entirely omitted.
If we are concerned that the children of America
themselves never taken any course in adult immigrant
education and Americanization, have been put on the shall have spiritual equipment for life, let this un­
shelf elsewhere, until they acquire the specified dertaking be free from religious intolerance.
The people of America have guaranteed one another
training, If adult immigrant education and Ameri­
canization in Oregon is to return a benefit commensu­ the right to worship God according to the dictates of
rate with public concern and public expenditure, no individual conscience. There can be no immunity for
EDITORIAL