Student Duncan Henderson Fights for Two Years to Start Atheist Club at Alabama High School

[rug]

[Duncan Henderson is pictured here (center) in front of his family's house with brother Brendan (right) and father Greg]

November 01, 2012
By Michael Allen

Stucent Duncan Henderson has been trying to start an atheist club, called the “freethinker” club, at Auburn Junior High in Auburn, Albama, but was met with strong resistance for two years.

Duncan told WBMH-TV that many of his classmates were not encouraging: “One threatened to shoot me and every other atheist with a shotgun.”

Duncan says another classmate tried to choke him: "I kinda kicked him, and he never touched me again."

Duncan and his family claim a former principal blocked the club, which the administrator, who's now with a different school system, denies.

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/christianity/student-duncan-henderson-fights-two-years-start-atheist-club-alabama-high

Wow, Junior High. This kid has learned early not to hide his views. Kudos.

[DreamGypsy]

1. A friend of mine told me about one of his proudest moments as a father...

His son was around 10 years old as I recall. Another boy was over playing at their house. The conversation my friend overheard went something like this:

Playmate: So, what religion is your family?

Son: My family doesn't have a religion. In my family we can each believe what we want.

Teach your children well.

[rug]

3. There are two things parents should always teach their children.

1) Never stop questioning.

2) Never hide what you think.

It can lead to belief or to nonbelief but they will know what their opinion is and why they hold it.

[cbayer]

2. I don't see how they were able deny him the right to do this for so long.

Good for him for sticking by his principles and congratulations on finally making it happen.

[2ndAmForComputers]

5. Entrenched privilege.

It emits light waves that are outside of some retinas' sensibility range.

[cbayer]

6. I meant legally.

[defacto7]

4. Good for you, kid!!