The truth about witches

YOUR COMMENTS

Ignorance is Bliss at Pinkerton! Makes me happy and proud to know my children all went to Public Schools and seem to be very well rounded and open-minded of all indiviuals, not just those of like mind. These parents that complained must not be very confident in their beliefs or their parenting skills to feel threatened by a young women sharing her belief system with her classmates. Let's not lose sight here that these are young ADULTS, not young children. These parents are the reason we still need "Diversity Week" in our schools! Shame on them and shame on the school for not standing up for diversity!
- GC, Concord

Hello,
I just can't believe what I just got done reading. I think it's a shame that this girl has to go through all of this just to share her religion and background with her fellow classmates. Shame on these parents for discriminating against this little girl. What are they teaching their own children. Teach by example!
I myself am a practicing Witch of 18 years. I'm also an Ordained Minister and one of the founders of The Sisterhood of The Tripple Cresent Society. I will stand behind this young lady and help her any way I can so be it.
Blessed Be!,
Minister Kimberly Brunner
wisewitch1313@aol.com
- Kimberly Ann Brunner, Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania

Jerica, I am so proud of you!!! Fight hard for what you believe in. Thank you for trying to clear up misconceptions about Wicca - don't let the school stop you from getting the word out. Blessed be!
- Kara, Richmond, VA

I personally am so happy that someone is standing up for us witches. But it really shows you how society is these days.
Thank you for holding your ground and not giving in to all of the haters!

Blessed be Jerica-sempai!
- Courtney, Derry NH

Yes Wicca is a reconized religion in the United States. There are Priests and Priestesses that legaly perform Hand Fastings and Blessings. It is an earth based not toad morphing religion. Ignorance is bliss, obviously. This is 2008 and I can't believe the close mindedness that still exists. Jerica I would love to attend your presentation. As an Elder I am proud of you.

Blessed Be and Happy New Year at this most sacred time.
- K.C., Hudson

Sad to see that diversity really isn't. The school should allow her presentation during the class and those students with bigots for parents should be allowed to leave. Wicca is a real religion and in 1986 it became law that those of our faith be treated the same as if we were from any other religion.
- Kirsten Olson, Medford, New York

We had a similar problem in Inter-Lakes with our diversity day. I think that our arrangement made it much more voluntary and open for students. Every student could pick two or three workshops to attend during the day. Also, the day itself was voluntary, students could skip if they objected. Of course, there were plenty of students who skipped just to get out of a day of school, but there were also students who skipped due to objections. This arrangement also allowed for more controversial presentations: we had one by a transvestite and one on alternative religions such as Wicca. I'm glad I could attend, but I understand that some people object to alternative lifestyles. Do I think it's narrow-minded and discriminatory? Yes, but we're entitled to our opinions. We are the "live free or die" state, aren't we? The Inter-Lakes arrangement lets students choose what to see and even to not see anything.
- SB, Meredith

Jerica, I applaud you and your mom, as well as your teacher for trying to share your beliefs with some folks who would clearly benefit from a bit of education. Perhaps next year Pinkerton could invite parents to attend Diversity Week presentations along with their students, since it's pretty obvious that they've missed the entire point.

Again, kudos to you for being open about who you are, and trying to educate others in a respectful manner.

patti
- Patti Wigington, Columbus, Ohio

How discriminatory! The school is stopping this presentation and ruining the whole POINT of diversity week! Let her present her religion so people can become englightened. They can chose to listen or not...but she does have a right!

What if someone at the school wanted to give a presentation on the beliefs of the Taliban because they believed in them? (I know it is extreme compared to Wiccan beliefs) but still...

Way to ruin diversity week!
- Nicole, Manchester, NH

Where is the Vincent Price's character the Witchfinder General when you need him!
- Jeff, Salem

JJ, it is mere coincidence that this is taking place around Halloween. Pinkerton just happens to have diversity week in late October. A publicity stunt? It's not quite at that level.
The school is being unfair due to a few parent's complaints. How closed-minded some can be. The world is full of different beliefs, just a simple fact. Being able to accept that is easier than some are making it out to be.
- Sarah, Derry

Apparently, the best way to protect your kids from the "dangerous" world of ideas is to deny others the right to express those ideas. While you're at it, make sure your kids never learn to love reading, learning and thinking. That way they may never be exposed to anything that may challenge their faith. Or you could let them think for themselves and trust them to be able to handle ideas that may be new to them.

It's not just the yule log and the Christmas tree that come to us from pre-Christian times. Flood stories, virgin birth stories and rising-from-the-dead stories occurred over and over in ancient belief systems. This is well-known to any student of history, anthropology, or comparative theology. Knowing this does not automatically destroy religious faith. Many theologians are quite comfortable delving into these areas of knowledge. Really, there is no reason to be afraid to learn more about what others believe.
- Pat, Littleton

Of course this happens around Holloween. What a joke. As for the girl and her "supporters" this is just a plublicity stunt- get over it.
- jj, manchester

I wish people were so passionate about Math, Science, English, History and other more traditional school topics!
- DM, Hampton

Wow! there appears to be a lot closet wiccans around. Looks like a lot of people on this board have drunk the wiccan kool-aid of propaganda.
- Jeff, Salem

This is clearly discriminatory! Allow all, or none. Make all mandatory or all voluntary. Now everybody is happy. Where is the common sense?
- Liz, Manchester, NH

I am an eclectic witch and ordained xtian minister. I seem to be missing a part of this article that needs clarification. There was a voluntary presentation by a rabbi, and the opportunity is there for a voluntary presentation on Wicca but the question remains: were there any mandatory presentations on any religious belief system? If there were none, there is no discrimination.
- Arimesis, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The notion that a presentation by Jerica Haynes on Wicca during "Diversity Week" can be undermined by such enlightened critiques as "What's she going to do, a ritual and turn my kid into a toad?" would seem to bespeak the need for her presentation, rather than prove grounds to suppress it.

Pagans from NH and throughout New England will be attending Celebrate Samhain, this Saturday, Oct. 25th, in Peterborough, NH (see: CelebrateSamhain.com). The annual event serves to educate the public at large to Pagan traditions, including Wicca, while supporting local food banks. Of particular note is this year's Pagan Panel Discussion, "Pagans and the Media", at which I am certain, this story will receive due attention.

Blessed Be, Jerica!
- Rowan, Peterborough

Wow... I always thought the commenters on this site can get silly... but, come on, are you SERIOUSLY going to have an argument over THIS?
- Moses Burnshaw, Keene, NH

Tony says "Wicca is a joke religion for disaffected youth and the socially awkward"--Tony, I am 61 years of age and have been a Wiccan priestess for 30 years. I don't think I can be counted as a "disaffected youth." As for "socially awkward"--I have been a teacher and active in community affairs for over 40 years, and I think you are very presumptuous and foolish to judge my social skills without ever having met me. I suggest you think a little longer before you make such remarks in a public forum.
- Kitty Randall, Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Unfortunatly it is because of people Like Tony in Chester NH,and Al La Point in Scotia New York that Wiccans,Witches and Pagans keep thier religion hidden from society. Fear of discrimination.I believe its up to Jerica to decide what religion is best for her,and no one else Mr La Point.Who are you to decide what is best for anyone but yourself?

Ignorance,Intolerance,and discrimination have been around since the Inquisition of the middle ages,and lets not forget the Salem Witch Hysteria where innocent people were murdered in the name of God,seems a bit hypocritical dont you think? Unfortunately burning,torture and hanging is not an option for people like this anymore.
But they will continue to Judge (which is against the word of God) insult others and act generally intolerant and disrespectful of others beliefs.
You will not find a Pagan or Wiccan at your front door trying to convert you or discrediting your beliefs.You will not find them sacrificing your cat to Satan,or boiling babies.Wiccans do not believe in a Satan.Satan is a Deity that belongs to the Christian religious construct.

You will however find Wiccans patrolling your streets while you sleep, they defend your country,bag your groceries,treat your family at the Drs office,and oversee Justice and the Law in courts all over the country.

The fact is most Wiccans look just everyone else in society.They come from every walk of life.People who fear us would be very surprised at how closely they live and work with us every single day.

Its time to lose the Puritanical paranoia and get with these educated times.Hocus Pocus,Flim Flam,thats all Hollywood,and its very unfair to judge our ways by what you watch on television.
It is equally unfair to assume that every Catholic Priest rapes little boys.

Its is true that Pagans and Wiccans are protected by the US Constitution,recognized by the United States Government as a religion,and we recently got approval from the Vets to have our Pentacle engraved on Military headstones. So if you decide that you will harass anyone due to thier religion,be very careful.Healing from ignorance all starts with Education,and of you choose to keep a closed mind then please, then at least keep your mouth shut,or else you will just look like an idiot.

Witches,Pagans and Wiccans are not going anywhere, we have been here since the beginning,and we will be here till the end.
- JulieG, Pembroke NH

Pinkerton Academy should be ashamed of themselves! Preaching "Diversity" but practicing intolerance, ignorance, and religious discrimination. The administration at Pinkerton has made their Diversity Week a farce. What they are really teaching their students is that diversity only applies to some "acceptable" minorities or religions and that it is perfectly acceptable to practice discrimination against other groups. Why were representatives of some religions allowed to speak, while Jerica was not? I can't believe that this kind of intolerance still exists. I am a parent of a child at Pinkerton, and I am totally disgusted with Pinkerton's complete lack of responsibility on this issue. They backed down to a few vocal parents, rather than standing up for what was right and truly teaching the value of diversity! Good for you, Jerica, for standing up for your beliefs. I am very proud of you.
- Mary S, Derry

Hey everyone,

Yes, this is me. I want to thank all of my supporters, because I'm not doing this for myself. I am fighting for all those who are too afraid to. For those who say that Wicca is not a "real religion" or it's just a way to try and stand out, not to be rude, but you all need a wake-up call. If I wanted to stand out, I wouldn't chose religion, because with RELIGION there really is no way to "stand out" because it is a "uniform religion". And another thing. Did you see the picture? I stand out enough as it is. And it IS a "real" religion, for all of you who have the misconception it isn't.

Now, I am not trying to start a war here, I am just trying to truly make things more equal and diverse. I have NO opposition to Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, or Muslim, or any other religion for that matter. In fact, I WANT to learn about them. I can't live my life without knowing my surrounding, because I will not stay sheltered in the real world.

Like I said, I am not trying to start a war here. But thank you for all of your support and to those who still don't believe or think I am "acting out", well... don't keep yourself in ignorance.

Blessed Be,
Jerica Haynes
- Jerica Haynes, Chester, NH

Why call it diversity week, if you are going to censor someone, who doesn't conform, to someone elses beliefs.
Way to go Granddaughter
Pepere
- Pete Vermette, Tampa,FL

To Ryan from Manchester who said "The Wiccan religion has been around allot longer than your new "Christian" religion"

Well, no. Wicca is about 50-60 years old however the pantheist Paganism, that predates Christianity, is the basis for the modern Wiccan religion.

Wicca was a reconstructionist religion created by Gerald Gardener from England. Based on research, Gardener reconstructed what he believed to be the pre-Christian traditions of Europe.

The current form of Wicca is a mix of Gardeners' early work combined with modern sources & historical evidence dating from the time.

As for Pinkerton ... how is it a "diversity week" if only the different factions of Abrahamic religions are permitted to speak?

For shame. How can kids learn to be inclusive when their parents hound the schools, organizations, etc to be exclusive?
- Cheryl, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

I think this young Lady has guts to do this.
I for one, was raised Catholic, and after my divorce, I left the church realizing how badly I was treated. They teach Love? I didn't see it. I found Wicca, and through the High Priestess taught me to FOGIVE and move on. Because of this, I forgave those who hurt me. I am now happily married to my HS sweetheart who hurt me terribly when I was in High School.
How can a religion who teaches you to forgive and love be bad?
In the Catholic, I saw hate, distrust, all they wanted was money and if you didn't have it you were nothing. I also saw backstabing for many, laughing at you, many other things.
So I applaud this young Witch, I do not hide my religion, I am a Witch and realize I have always been, and both my daughters are too........
- Maggie Brown, Ft Walton Beach, FL

I am Reverend Donna Marie Watts, I am ordained under “ Our Lord and Lady of the
Trinacrian Rose Church “ and The High Priestess of The Gwiddon De Bedwin Stryd.
A Wiccan Group in Derry NH. In accordance to the laws of this country the decision of Pinkerton Academy is applauding. I am all for separation of Church and State but a school can not decide which religion it deems to recognize.
Witchcraft is a legally recognized religion in The United States and Witches’ are entitled to every right and protection for freedom of religion, including freedom from harassment and prejudice as every other religion in This our United States . The United States Constitution, under The First and Fourteenth Amendments, supports the rights of All People.
Pinkerton is in violation of the Laws of This Our Country, in making a decision not to allow Jerica Haynes to make her presentation on diversity day, They have every right to decide no religion, but it is illegal to allow one and not the other.
- Donna Marie HPs, Derry, NH 03038

There's a "side issue" here that really makes this topic almost comical. (Most schools, btw, have some 'diversity' variant at some point in time.) The longer look ought to be that - "Diversity Week" or no! - math, science, and basic reading/writing/speaking skills keep tanking. Our H.S. grads are increasingly unprepared for the real world than ever before. Yeah: I know. NH students rank high, nationally, but INTERNATIONALLY, we fare abysmally. Having taught for many years (elementary through graduate school levels) I have a right to say this: literacy, like 'diversity' study - and the passion for lifelong learning - hast beo taught at home, not in schools. If it doesn't get launched at home, it's NEVER taught and inculcated in schools. We do't need better software, gynmasia, computer rooms, or (even!) better teachers!: WE NEED BETTER PARENTING of recalcitrant students whose very raison d'etre is to balk at anything that smacks of learning, discipline, achievement, or (got forbid!) LITERACY.
- J. Shackford, Ph.D., Claremont

I was lucky enough to go to a high school that offered a class called (gasp!) World Cultures.

We learned about many different cultures and religions, including Hindu, Buddhism, Islam, etc. It was very interesting and enlightening.

It taught us, that for all our differences, people around the world are essentially the same. When you look closely at various religions, they have very similar "rules" for conduct, etc.

I feel bad for those children who have parents that are too afraid to let their children know that there are other ways to live. Long live ignorance!
- Donna S, Manchester

I would like to applaud this young Lady for having the courage to shed light and educate people on this beautiful and sadly misunderstood religion.Wicca is the fastest growing religion in the world today.Wicca is a very positive,life affirming,and nature based religion.
Followers from every religion on this planet could learn something valuable from its creed.
Lets not forget that Christianity is molded around Paganism,Wicca just one of the many traditions falling under the umbrella of Paganism.Before you judge,ask yourself,Do your children hunt for Easter Eggs?Do you put an evergreen tree in your home at Christmas?
If you answered yesl then,you are practicing Pagan traditions.Do the research, open your ears and your mind.Those whom fear what you do not understand,you need the education more than anyone. Free yourself from hundreds of years of brainwashing and discrimination.Go to this girls presentation,and listen.You may walk away feeling enlightened and empowered.
I may add that I am a Pinkerton Graduate of 1989,a responsible and hardworking person in my community,I vote,I have a family,and I vote,and I am a Pagan,and proud of it!Pinkerton needs to allow diversity week to encompass all diverse paths,all else is censorship,way to go Jerica!Blessed Be)0(
JulieG
- JulieG, Pembroke NH

Shame on you Pinkerton Academy......Please note the following:
As a religion, Witchcraft is protected by the Constitution. "The Law has the obligation to serve and protect Witches in their religious endeavors, equally as much as it protects the rights and freedoms of other groups.
Witchcraft is a legally recognized religion in the United States and Witches are entitled to every right and protection for freedom of religion, including freedom from harassment and prejudice as every other recognized religion in the United States." This comes from the Witches League of Public Awareness..... Discrimination to this student, most certainly. She had every right to speak if other students were allowed to "diversify their beliefs......

I am a Witch and Priestess of Derry, I practice my religion with great pride.
- Jane S., Derry

Kathy from Manchester, School Board? Pinkerton does not answer to the school board. They have a board of trustees who are Pinkerton alumni! They answer to NO taxpayer in Derry.
- Paula, Derry

"Diversity" Would they let some one talk about being a Christain? Would the unionleader show that diversity is only about fridge groups that are really quite strange and promote confusion and destruction of our culture- including same sex attraction- ever hear about aids other stds- DEATH. Oh, but let celebrate disfunction and just plain weirdness!!!
- mickey, concord

Apparently it's the parents who need the diversity sensitivity. How about this? Any parent who wants to may keep his or her child away from the presentation, IF they are willing to attend in the student's place. This should get the ones who really need sensitivity training in front of the speaker. Since they are adults, and the speaker is a student, I'd also add that if they are disruptive, they should get the same mandatory counseling that I expect a student who misbehaved like that would receive.
- Virginia Taylor, Lyndeborough

Wicca is NOT a joke religion for disaffected youth. It is an ages old tradition that pre-dates Christianity. If nay-sayers were willing to open their eyes and ears to DIVERSITY, they would know that. People who have very little sense of originality are the very first to claim that someone who dresses as a witch is simply claiming 'look at me'. Very few Wiccans make their religion publicly visible due to persecution from people who insist on being ignorant. Wicca celebrates the Earth as Mother and demands its followers to be good people to each other and to their community. We can't say as much for the people who are so quick to dismiss Wicca as ridiculous or evil. The only evil in Wicca comes from the ignorance of those who stubbornly refuse to see it for the beautiful religion that it is. No animal sacrifice, no cooking children. That's all Hollywood. Where does the Christmas Yule log come from? Wicca! Where does burning incense at Catholic Mass come from? Wicca! All the people who complained about this young woman's presentation should be the first to attend it so that they might learn something valuable about the world around them.
Such intolerant attitudes would be more expected from the likes of radical Islam, not Live-Free or Die Americans. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. If you can deny it from her, it can be denied of YOU!
- Robb Fox, North Walpole

This just goes to prove that ignorance and intolerance is alive and well in this country. We have not evolved one bit. What is next, lynching and hanging anyone who is a bit different?
- Michele, Manchester, NH

To Tony:
You need to grow up and educate yourself. The Wiccan religion has been around allot longer than your new "Christian" religion. Where do you think all your fancy holidays come from like Easter & Christmas ???
Any guesses anyone??
- Ryan, Manchester

If the US Veterans Affairs Office can acknowledge Wicca as an official religion and put the symbol on a soldier's headstone in Arlington Natl Cemetary then All the power to this girl in her diversity. To the ignorant parents maybe they should attend the diversity programs and learn what they are talking about before they talk about it.
- Pam lheureux, Weare

I for one would like to hear first hand from any Satanists out there who would like to tell me aobut their religion. Who better to educate me than someone who is indide the religion? I don't think that my faith is so shaky as to be swayed by simply hearing someone speak on any particular subject or belief. Let the Wiccans, Christians, Hindus and such speak. I for one want to be educated firsthand than uneducated at all, or worse, educated by people from outside of a particular faith.

Information is not dangerous to someone whose faith is strong.
- Jen, Surrey

Again, the people that believe that a 400 year old drunk man named Noah built an ark that fit two of every animal and sailed for 40 days and 40 nights without the animals that eat other animals eating said other animals only to save civilization...are dictating what they feel diversity is. Nothing new people.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Tony R do you work at Pinkerton?
- Holden, Manchester

What a disaster. Gather together the school board, the school administrators and the teachers and lock them in a room until they get a grip on (control over) their curriculum and their pedagogy. Who suffers here? The students like Jerica who are looking to adults for guidance and leadership. Students deserve better.
- Kathy, manchester

Pathetic it is, do these parents really want to shelter their children from everything... just because you shelter your child today--doesn't mean 'it' will simply go away for ever.

Parental approved diversity huh, so, when it all started, if parents did not approve of the Latino and Caucasian, which I am sure some did not... yet it still took place. Are all parents correct? No. I would like to ask the parents who disapprove, "What do you know about Wiccan history? Anything?"

Wicca is very old... as with many other religions and in a diverse country, the one we live in... religions, race, cultures all play a very important part in how we go about our business in the world... and ALL education should be taught.

As for the school, how can you speak of diversity when you won't allow a particular presentation? Pinkerton has just shown us all that they are far from diverse and maybe the teachers and admin should all take a course on what diversity really is.
- Brian F, Manchester

I have 3 teens and if they attended Pinkerton I would have no problem with this presentation. The whole point is for them to be exposed to other cultures. I am not Wican but I know enough to know it is not as it is perceived. This is one problem with the world today. Parents who have nothing better to do then be petty. What are you teaching your child by behaving this way? And shame on Pinkerton for caving and allowing this type of thing to dictate what happens. The world is a big place and like it or not when your kids are out of the nest they will be exposed to allot more than just harmless religion!!
- Stacey, Manchester

First of all, I want to state that as a graduate of Pinkerton Academy, I have the utmost respect for the institution, its administration and faculty.

Second of all, in a perfect world, we wouldn't need a Diversity Week.

However, our world isn't perfect and we do need to expose our children and ourselves to other cultures, religions, and societies. Wicca, while not necessarily a mainstream religion, is, in fact, a religion.

There was an ACLU lawsuit that was brought against a school system in Oklahoma involving a young woman named Brandi Blackbear. The case is slightly different, but similar in that this young woman was essentially discriminated against because of her religious beliefs (or rather other people's uneducated version of her religious beliefs).

If someone believed that a presentation on Islam was detrimental to their children, would it have been stopped too? If people objected to, in light of the church scandals, a presentation on Catholicism, would that have been stopped?

I say let her educate her peers because then maybe, just maybe, people will learn to be more accepting. That's the whole point of the week anyway, isn't it?
- Kay, Manchester, NH

It's a class presentation not a membership drive. Keep Junior at home that day if you feel this will scar him for life.
- Carol Ann, Londonderry

Wicca is a joke religion for disaffected youth and the socially awkward - look at me I'M UNIQUE!
- Tony R, Chester

Pinkerton Academy's Diversity Week is a farce.

Having some presentations as mandatory, and others optional, sends a very clear message that promotes certain viewpoints and disparages others. Another clear message is that the management of Pinkerton Academy is weak, deceitful, and dishonest; in short, they are liars.

The Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=The+truth+about+witches&articleId=738046c3-2360-428c-8200-3203f3ab0674, states that, "Monday and Wednesday, like today, had many different presentations available to students throughout the course of the school day, some mandatory and others voluntary."
Pinkerton Academy's website, http://www.pinkertonacademy.net/, states, "Diversity Week will be held October 20th - 24th, during which Pinkerton will showcase presentations on all aspects of life including: culture, religion, lifestyle, physical abilities, developmental abilities, among others."

These two statements contradict each other. Either the information provided to the Union Leader is wrong, or Pinkerton Academy is engaged in false advertising.

Pinkerton Academy claims to be, "committed to equal employment and educational opportunity for all employees and applicants, students, and members of the school community without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in all aspects of employment and education." This is on their Anti-Harassment Policy page, http://www.pinkertonacademy.net/Admin/antiharassment.htm. Pinkerton Academy's actions in this matter are in direct contravention of their own EEEO policy.
Pinkerton Academy has the words, "Courtesy, Respect, Responsibility" as their watch words. Yet they fail to uphold them.

Now here's how they can fix their problems.

1. Either all presentations are optional, or all presentations are mandatory.

2. If the presentations are mandatory, and the parents object, they have the option of either removing their children from the school, or receiving a zero grade for that part of their education. If divesity training is mandatory for graduation, then they don't graduate until they attend.

3. Pinkerton Academy can either preview all presentations, or none of them. You can't require some and not others. And as long as the presentations are factual, they have no option but to approve them.
- Michael D. houst, Barrington, NH

Thanks for all the information. I guess my question would be, was the presentation going to be one of the voluntary sessions ( like the Rabbi from Derry ) or a mandatory one? The artcile has cleared up some things about Wicca, so in a twisted kind of way, i guess she got her message out. However for me it ends there. To each their own. Would I be upset if my child went there and was "required" to attend?...maybe. If they wanted to go voluntarily, I hope to think I would be ok with it. Being that Pinkerton is a private school, but the public school for Derry, I wonder how all this would go over in places like Salem or Londonderry. And God (oops ), please let's keep the ALCU out of this...
- Steve, Derry

This is comical, it just drips with hypocrisy. Why is the administration allowing a few squeaky wheels to dictate policy? If she is so threatening to the students why is she allowed to attend the school at all? Sheer lunacy.
- Bill, Manchester

Sorry for your troubles, Jerica, but I hope you can see this as the truly valuable life lesson that it is.

Those who chant "Diversity" loudest are usually the most intolerant people of all. Diversity (with capital "D") never means intellectual diversity, it means narrowmindedness while feigning tolerance over a few select groups. Its called "hypocrisy".

Truly tolerant people don't rant about their "diversity" because they don't need to convince themselves or anybody else of their genuine willingness to live and let live.

The whole "Diversity" culture is a bigger crock than your stereotypical witch will ever boil potions in!
- Jim Peschke, Croydon, NH

Todd, I think the NAMBLA analogy is way overboard, and frankly, makes you sound ignorant. I think the reason this girl wanted to do this presentation is to try and dispel people's intolerant misnomers and assumptions about her religion (like yours, it sounds like).

Also, let's not drag christianity and christmas into this. It's about diversity (ie beliefs, race, and lifestyle choices outside the white christian cultural norm), not religion.
- Mike, Derry

Let us not forget that Christian faith grew out of Pagen beliefs. Some of the Christion symbolizm today are in fact Pagen symbols. It's all about nature - that's what Wicca is all about...
- Barry J, Manchester

The other Deb, well said.

I would add that "diversity", while not a bad thing in and of itself, as practiced by the left seems to take on a religious aspect of it's own.
Rather than use it to unite us, too many seem to use it as a tool to tear down the societal structures that unite us.
Often, the message seems to be no one society, or philosophy, is superior to another.
To that bit of nonsense, I say bull.

Some of us, while welcoming the discovery of other cultures, would like a little more emphasis placed on the American culture and what makes our system unique. Otherwise, we may face the "Balkanization" of our country.
I think we know how that turns out, don't we?

Do we still believe in the "melting pot", or, do we want to resemble a tackle box, with many seperate compartments, for all the diversified pieces.
- Mike P., Mancchester

I can understand where the parents are coming from. This is a school sponsored event, I would hope parents would step up and decide what is appropriate or not. In this day and age, many schools can't even have a "Christmas celebration" because the word "Christ" offends atheists. A little common sense goes a long way here, parents should set limits about what they feel comfortable with. Some things are more acceptable to society than others, I'm glad that people are taking a stand instead of just the "whatever you want to do is okay, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody mindset" which seems to apply to everyone except Christians.
- LG, Manchester, NH

For those who are concerned about what the children might be exposed to: wake up. Wicca is a nature-based religion similar in concept to that practiced by the indigenous tribes in North America,aka,native American Indians. It is based in the notion that we are all part of the cycle of Life and we are to revere and care for the Earth and its creatures as we are interdependent, our lives depending on theirs and vice versa. The representation of God is as a duality of Male and Female, both being sacred, equal, and life affirming. This religion follows the cycles of life on the planet, planting, growing, harvest, fallow times, holding all parts of the cycle as sacred. This has nothing to do with anything other than a desire to be OF the cycles rather than have dominion OVER them. THere are also practices of meditation and directing energy which are the equivalent of any type of prayer--repeated phrases invoking Deity for a purpose, like, "Our Father..."
Apparently a bunch of folks need her presentation because from some of the comments here I come to the conclusion that folks are sadly, and in some instances, willfully, ignorant of this religion's benign practices.
- Elspeth, Hampstead

What a sham! We have always taught our daughters that you must always believe in yourself and your abilities, not what others try to make you out as or want you to be. The constitution puts forth a guarantee of freedom of religion. All religions, not just them popular ones.
- Mike, Merrimack

This is an ACLU lawsuit waiting to happen....
- Tim, Washington, DC

Simple answer. If one cannot do it then no one should be able to do it.

Just do away with Diversity Week and eliminate all future problems.

And of course, the parents who complained in the first place will be the first ones to say that is not fair, blah blah blah.
- Paul Scorpio, Providence, RI

This story would be shocking enough if held during the ordinary course of the school year, but the fact that the school cancelled a presentation for Diversity Week due to parent complaints. Pinkerton is undermining the concept of Diversity Week by pulling this presentation based on uninformed complaints. It is a sad irony that the students at Pinkerton can only learn about diversity topics at the approval of narrowminded people.
- Kristen, Concord, NH

Steve, the article states that on Wednesday a Rabbi spoke about what its like to be Jewish.

Allowing a presentation from one religion, but not another. That's pretty cut and dry discrimination. I guess diversity only extends to those groups that others don't complain about.
- Jeff, Manchester

If the school is not going to allow her to give her presentation on the Wicca Religion, than they should not allow any other student to give their presentation on what they believe in. So every other student can give their speech on their beliefs DURING school hours but she has to do AFTER school. That is completely contradicting. The school started this whole diversity week to open the eyes to young students about different cultures and religions out there but when one religion (that seems to scare people because they uneducated and misinformed) the schools seems to change their mind. The more we shelter our kids from things in the world the more naive they will be when they are out there.
- Danielle A, Londonderry

this is a tragic story and someone should
help this young person to understand
that Christianity is a much better solution
for her. this is a trajic indictment of the
failure of our churches and schools to
present a balance approach to young
people who are easily swayed by the
ignorance out there
- al la pointe, scotia, new york

So much for diversity at Pinkerton. Several parents out of twenty five hundred students? Seems like the tail is wagging the dog.

Leno, Raymond
- Leno Hebert, Raymond

So it appears that some in Derry have not evolved since the 1600s....or before

Melissa asks what are these parents so afraid of? They are afraid of what Hollywood and the "good book" has taught them to be afraid of. I believe it was King Henry who coined the term witch during his "revisions" of said good book.
- Zizzy, Manchester

Well said Dave of Derry! Pinkerton is a joke! No accountability, no checks and balances with the Town of Derry and the taxpayers don't seem to care! Wake up Derry! Wicca follows very close to Catholics and are peaceful, caring and do no harm unto others. Ignorance, that all it is.
- Paula, Derry

Steve, I think they were trying to take a widely unknown and sometimes misunderstood religion and bring it into the light to educate a little more.

It is very misunderstood. Most people belive that it is satanist or ritual killings. Its more about nature, and mother earth. If parents would do a little research into wicca and paganism, they wouldn't be so quick to judge. Paganism is one of the oldest religions, why shouldn't people be educated on it? It's people that are ignorant about something, that have issues with the issue. A well educated person would be more open to diversity in ALL forms.
- Andrew, Franklin

So what if I wanted my child to give a speech on their belief in a the risen savior Jesus Christ. If they got up and spoke on their faith and belief in Christ Jesus would that be acceptable? If they could stand and put to rest the myths about Jesus freaks that seems to counter the wiccan religions view and would add to Diversity week. If you're gonna promote diversity you need to have diverging opinion. Seems to me that everyone is really open to letting other religions have their say but when it comes to teaching creationism or a biblical view point we have the old church and state issue. If you are thinking of letting one kid air their religious views than all should be able to do that in an open forum as well. Dittio for Jewish, satanists, agnostics, catholics... You get the point. No on if not everyone.
- Erica, Candia

Let her do the presentation. It's an up to the audience to vote with their feet whether they want to attend and listen.

The school could create a valuable assignment out of this. Give the kids the choice to attend. If they choose not to, they get an alternate assignment, maybe a paper about free speech and rights.

Or they can just go listen to the presentation, be civil, and agree to disagree without having any extra work.

The school and its administration are really copping out on this one. Perhaps others are right, Pinkerton isn't what it claims.
- Chris, Allenstown

Diversity...where's the diversity? I mean if I wanted to show that I am a member of NAMBLA(North American Man-Boy Love Association), I should be able to celebrate that during diversity week!

Come on people! Where is your common sense? Of course you want parents to have a say in what their child is exposed to!
- Todd, Andover, NH

TM

I don't think informing parents of up coming events so they can decide for themselves is unreasonable. Diversity is and always was all around us. The difference today is it's now injected into school curriculum and can be just about anything. What we should be boiling mad about is if we are not given the choice to decide for ourselves what we want or children introduced too.
- The other Deb, Derry

I wonder if during DIVERSITY week if they are only allowing the things that people are already aware of. I also wonder if there are any other religions being presented, if so that is pretty sad.

Please explain how a diversity week, can truly be a diversity week if they limit the amount of diverisfication. I think those parents just don't want someone to point out that Wicca is not a devil worshipping cult and they are afraid of people knowing the truth.

Very sad, very sad indeed.
- Shawn, Manchester

I'm not trying to get everyone riled up here, but not having a student at Pinkerton ( yet ) I am not aware of the rules regarding diversity week. Are Catholics, Protestants, Jews, etc allowed a prsentation since Wicca is considered a religion. What about the atheists or satanists. Again...not trying to make a point here, just want the facts.
- Steve, Derry

What ever happened to individuality???? I raise my kids to be themselves, that they shouldn't have to "act" a certain way just to "fit-in" with the crowd. I also teach my children that if other's can't accept them for who they are, then it isn't worth having them involved in their life. I would have to agree with TM of Manchester - what are these parents sooo afraid of - maybe they need to take a good, long hard look at themselves in the mirror!!!
- Melissa, Manchester

Another example of the Pinkerton scam. This sub standard school would not want to risk losing a donation buy offending anyone. They have been putting one over over on the people of Derry for years. The town should build their own school and save money. They have no accountability and their self image of a superior high school is a joke.
- Dave, Derry

No wonder so many Wiccan practitioners are still in the "broom closet." A clear case of discrimination based on religious practice, which I thought was illegal by state law in NH. This brave young lady is being relegated to "other" status by being required to give her presentation after school rather than as everyone else is. Shame on the so-called adults who have such closed minds. Maybe they need to attend and learn something.
- Elspeth, Hampstead

It seems to me that Pinkerton is perpetuating intolerance by not giving this young lady a voice during diversity week. A more appropriate action might have been to invite those parents to the presentation.
- Deb, Derry

What a crock - only parental approved diversity is allowed? Diversity is allowed as long as parents aren't afraid of it? What is someone thought that a presentation on Islam was inappropriate? This just makes my blood boil...
- TM, Manchester