A 12-year-old student from Farmersville, Texas, addressed his local school board to voice concerns about religious materials that were distributed to students during the school day, urging district officials to clarify policies and ensure neutrality in public education.

“Good evening members of the school board. My name is Leland Saunders, and I'm a 12 year old Resident of Farmersville, Texas,” Saunders began in prepared remarks delivered during a public meeting.

Saunders acknowledged that the outside group responsible for distributing the materials had received approval to be on campus.

“I understand that the outside organization was approved to be on campus,” he said.

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“However, I am concerned about the religious material that were handed out to students during the lunch period.”

He then identified the items that were given to students. “The following materials were handed out, hijabs, Qurans and Sharia law pamphlets.”

Saunders told board members that public schools serve a broad and diverse student population.

“Public schools serve students from many different religious backgrounds and students who have no religious beliefs at all,” he said.

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Because of that diversity, Saunders argued that public schools must take care to remain neutral when it comes to religion during instructional hours.

“Because of that, I believe our schools must remain neutral when it comes to religious promotion during the school day,” he stated.

He added that even voluntary participation raises concerns about where the line should be drawn.

“Even if participation was voluntary, handing out religious texts and items during school hours raises questions about whether that crosses the line from education into religion.”

Saunders said that such actions create discomfort among some families in the district. “That is something many families included by are uncomfortable with,” he said.

He then raised broader questions about consistency and equal treatment.

“If one religious organization is allowed to distribute materials, would every religious or ideological group be allowed to be given the same opportunity?” Saunders asked.

“If so, how will that be managed fairly? If not, how is that even equal treatment?”

Saunders emphasized that his comments were not directed at any specific faith or belief system. “This is not about criticizing any specific religion,” he said.

“This is about maintaining neutrality, fairness and a religious boundary from education and religion.”

He concluded by formally requesting action from the board.

“I respectfully ask the board to clarify the guidelines regarding outside groups and religious materials and to ensure that policies are applied consistently moving forward. Thank you for your time.”

Saunders’ remarks were followed by applause from members of the audience in attendance at the meeting.

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