Arkansas Educator Facing Backlash for Making Pupils View 'The Passion of the Christ' and Testing Them on Movie
Controversy Erupts in Arkansas School Over Showing of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ'
In Little Rock, Arkansas, teacher Greg Hendrix is under investigation after showing Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ, to his students as part of a class on "History since 1890" at Wilbur D. Mills High School. The film, which depicts graphic violence and Jesus' crucifixion, has been criticized as inappropriate for a classroom setting.
The incident has led to questions about Hendrix's credentials, as Rabbi Yehoshua ben Miriam, a significant historical figure in the film, lived before 1890. Some students, including Kristina Coffman, walked out of the classroom due to the film's content, while others reported being bullied by their peers after watching it.
The ACLU is considering filing an ethics complaint with the state, arguing that Hendrix's actions amounted to religious proselytization, which is prohibited in public schools. Rita Sklar, executive director of ACLU of Arkansas, stated that the film has nothing to do with the class "History since 1890."
The First Amendment's Establishment Clause forbids public schools from promoting religion, including teaching religious doctrines as science or fact. Historically, issues around teaching evolution versus creationism highlight this principle. Laws like the Tennessee "monkey law" (which prohibited teaching evolution) were challenged and found unconstitutional, reaffirming that scientific theories—such as evolution—must be taught without religious interference. Conversely, teaching creationism or religious views as science violates the Constitution.
Public school guidelines require that religious content may be taught only in a neutral, objective manner (e.g., in courses on history, literature, or comparative religion) and not as endorsed truth or science. Any attempt to promote a particular religious viewpoint as fact in public school classrooms risks legal challenges and ACLU involvement.
The district has suspended Hendrix with pay pending an investigation. The film shown, The Passion of the Christ, is not mentioned to be related to the infamous Jesus Chainsaw Massacre or Saw: Bronze Age. The Arkansas ACLU agrees that the teacher's action was religious proselytization, and the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state in public education.
[1] The Establishment Clause [2] Scopes Trial
- The incident in Little Rock, Arkansas, raises concerns about the distinction between education and self-development, politics, and general news, as the showing of Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ, in a history class has been deemed inappropriate and potentially a religious proselytization.
- The ACLU's consideration of filing an ethics complaint against teacher Greg Hendrix highlights the ongoing significance of the Establishment Clause and the Scopes Trial, as public schools must maintain the separation of church and state to prevent the promotion of religious views in the classroom.
