One of my newly-hired co-workers told me today that when she was interviewed, the school director asked her if she was christian (it’s a christian school). Not only is that illeagal, but after it was confirmed that the co-worked was indeed a believer, the director then procedes to tell her that there’s a non-christian working there (me, duh) and that it’s caused ‘a lot of problems’ with the other co-workers. She then goes on to say that the school has kept me because being around so many ‘good christians’ might help me learn ‘by example’.
The director never asked me if I was a chirstian. I told her to her face about a month after she hired me, thinking it might make a few of the other people there not-cool with me. She told me then that no one had said a damn word to her, and that she’d let me know if anything of that ilk was said. Furthermore, not one of my co-workers has actually said anything to me or even asked about my beliefs.
Obviously, these ‘good christian’ woman have not only talked about my religious preferences (of which they know nothing since they haven’t asked) behind my back, but the director has actually lied to me about it when I asked if it was an issue. To tell a potential teacher that they’re having ‘problems’ with another’s belief set before they’re even hired is just unprofessional. Then to know that they’re just keeping me around to ‘save’ me instead of my teaching skills makes me sick.
Honestly. if being ‘saved’ means I have to turn into a lying bigot, I’d rather not be. I can forsee this turning into a big problem.
Yeah. Like go in to her office and ask for clarification on the whole issue. Did you ask someone their religious beliefs? Did you tell someone my beliefs? Did someone say it was a problem? Why didn’t you tell me about it? Do you intend to influence my religious beliefs? What if you can’t?
Pause frequently to take down detailed notes. That’ll make her sweat.
Can’t. The other co-worker would be ‘on the spot’.
Not really- you can play the same game- say that you’ve heard it from several sources- or that you’ve heard it ‘around.’ The director will have to cross-check everyone and she will rpobably re-think just who is on your side and on hers.
Well don’t do anything you can’t afford to do. We all need jobs. I myself know when to bite my own tongue. Usually, anyway.
Ew. I dislike it intensely when people feel they need to ‘save’ other people, and what’s worse…lie to them about it. How totally unChristian of them. Not to say that I am Christian because I’m not. I’d guess I would keep my mouth shut too, though.
You say this could become a big problem in the future, which makes me believe that keeping your mouth shut is not really an option. Or at least not an option you can live with in the long run. Why not go at it yourself, before they initiate anything unpleasant?
Besides, I really don’t get it. You don’t seem like a person to force anything on anyone, so why would anyone get offended by you not sharing their beliefs? It just would show how forgiving and christian they are themselves.
Reclaiming lost souls, grin. I’d rather be lost than christian any day!