NationStates Jolt Archive

Student punished for spaghetti beliefs

A student has been suspended from school in America for coming to class dressed as a pirate.

But the disciplinary action has provoked controversy – because the student says that the ban violates his rights, as the pirate costume is part of his religion.

Bryan Killian says that he follows the Pastafarian religion, and that as a crucial part of his faith, he must wear 'full pirate regalia' as prescribed in the holy texts of Pastafarianism.

The school, however, say that his pirate garb was disruptive.

Pastafarians follow the Flying Spaghetti Monster (pictured), and believe that the world was created by the touch of his noodly appendage. Furthermore, they acknowledge pirates as being 'absolute divine beings', and stress that the worldwide decline in the number of pirates has directly led to global warming.

Pastafarianism gained wide attention when its key prophet, Bobby Henderson, wrote to the Kansas School Board during the height of the controversy over 'Intelligent Design' being taught in science classes. His letter, also published on his website, demanded equal time be given to the teachings of the Flying Spaghetti Monster as was given to ID and evolutionary theory.

Since then, the Flying Spaghetti Monster has gained countless followers worldwide, although there are those who remain spagnostic.

The school, in North Buncombe, North Carolina, remains adamant that their decision to suspend Killian for a day has nothing to do with his religion, and quite a lot to do with his repeated refusal to heed warnings against wearing pirate outfits.

Yet another example of the misunderstanding and persecution which Pastafarians must face in day to day life. If the school allows students of more mainstream religions to wear religious items of clothing then what right do they have to exclude Pastafarians?

Story from here (http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=43272&in_page_id=2)

That's an old, albeit very funny, piece of news. :p

For that matter, whoever came up with FSM is a genius.

Hmmm very interestin...I'm going to have to think about this one.

That's an old, albeit very funny, piece of news. :p

For that matter, whoever came up with FSM is a genius.

*nods*

For that matter, whoever came up with FSM is a genius.
Agreed. Not only does it mock standard religions but it mixes pasta with a touch of Lovecraftian monstrosity.

I tend to think disruptive religious paraphernalia ought not be taken to schools. Though on the other hand you can't very well interfere with a person's private faith.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster appeared in my Shedspread. I swear it. Unfortunately all I have is a regular film camera, so if the photo turns out I'll show it to y'all.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster appeared in my Shedspread. I swear it. Unfortunately all I have is a regular film camera, so if the photo turns out I'll show it to y'all.

Upside own, my genitals kind of look like the Flying Spaghetti Monster. *nod*

The Flying Spaghetti Monster appeared in my Shedspread. I swear it. Unfortunately all I have is a regular film camera, so if the photo turns out I'll show it to y'all.

I swear a clear image was in my microwave pasta yeaterday...



Oh, BTW, I think the problem here is a school administration with a bit too overzealous of a definition of disruptive. It *was* national talk like a pirate day, they could have used this as an educational opportunity, but *noooo* anything that they don't see as a perfect fit to their plan has to go.

This administration needs to lighten up, perhaps they should read a little about facism and why it's generally looked down on.