Trying to Shove Scientology into Public Schools
suntimes.com
The voice of Bart Simpson is trying to get a scientology based manners program incorporated into Springfield schools.
The Emmy Award-winning actress acknowledged in an online video that her program is based on “The Way to Happiness,” a book written by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology of which she is a member.
That tie to Scientology has triggered a backlash from some Republicans, who question why the state would put its imprimatur on Hubbard’s controversial teachings and expose schoolchildren to them, albeit indirectly.
State Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago), the lead sponsor of House Resolution 254, said even though he’s read but three pages of Hubbard’s “Dianetics,” he is not interested in promoting the Florida-based religion that includes Cartwright and actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta as devotees.
“I’ve been assured it’s not a Scientology promotion,” Burke said. “It’s a separate not-for-profit. It’s just basic good manners, good principles that kids sometimes don’t get exposed to in some of the more challenged areas of our state.”