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Other Symbols of the Storms

Elizabeth Everson

Iowa City Press-Citizen

May 1, 2006

[Note: This material is copyright by the Press-Citizen, and is reproduced here as a matter of "fair use" for non-commercial, educational purposes only. Any other use may require the prior approval of the Iowa City Press-Citizen.]


I commend the Iowa City School District for making a decision that went against pressures from the religious community and upheld the laws of our state. This is not a matter of religion, but rather one of policy.

When presented with an opposing view, it is easy to have a knee-jerk reaction. It is easy to call this issue and the organizations that protect it anti-religion. It is easy to say, "Sheesh, they were trying to do a good thing." But this is how people become educated.

The compassion of the citizens of Iowa City and the surrounding areas after the tornadoes is admirable. As individuals we can each decide which organizations, churches or people we would like to spend our resources on.

But when it comes to public schools and public money, we must take a step back and make sure we are not marginalizing any individual or group.

One of the reasons given to let this matter go was that St. Patrick's Church "has become the symbol of destruction." It isn't a symbol for me or for many other people I know. To many, the completely decimated Dairy Queen, Alpha Chi Omega house or one of the homes on Iowa Avenue is more of a symbol of destruction than the church.

Following the law isn't always easy; neither is equality. And as individuals we can pick and choose when to practice both. Our government cannot.

Elizabeth Everson
Iowa City