Scientology Curriculum Coming to Illinois' Public Schools?
Should the teachings of the Church of Scientology shape the character of children in Illinois' public schools? State legislators must decide.
Among three programs recommended for shaping the character of children in Illinois' public schools is one based on a book by Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, R-Sterling, said he had no problem with the content of the book -- 21 precepts closely resembling the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule and motherly advice -- until he turned to the back page, which listed Hubbard as the author.
"I'm not arguing with their beliefs," Mitchell said. "When the man's name is on the back of the book ... I'm not sure the public schools should be in the business of allowing that kind of relationship to be fostered."
The resolution's sponsor, State Rep. Dan Burke, D-Chicago, said he never intended to promote Scientology. He was assured that the Hubbard attribution simply met a copyright requirement.