CR board member’s comments about interim superintendent are discriminatory

According to Cedar Rapids School Board member Dexter Merschbrock, an employee’s or applicant’s religious affiliation now needs to be scrutinized. According to Merschbrock’s comments in The Gazette’s Nov. 16 edition, certain religious beliefs may lead to discriminatory conduct with students and staff. Evidently, if your religion doesn’t meet Merschbrock’s expectations, you will not be employed in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

I have two questions for Mr. Merschbrock. First, according to whose standard of discrimination is the applicant’s — in this case, Art Sathoff’s — religion being compared?

Second, has Merschbrock read the First Amendment which details the freedom of religion clause? As a board member of a school district, I would think it is imperative school board members are aware of our Constitution’s language and the inalienable rights it protects for all citizens of the United States.

His shocking and chilling comments should make all freedom-loving Americans fear the continuing assault on religious freedom in our country.

Dave Hanneman

Marion

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