Censoring 'Kum Ba Ya'

Private agencies are now erecting "walls of separation" of their own | Gene Edward Veith

We all know that some courts have been zealous in upholding the "no establishment" clause of the Constitution, which they interpret as demanding the dismantling of nativity scenes, the removal of crosses from city logos, and the restricting of prayer, Bible reading, and Christmas carols in schools. Increasingly, though, private agencies are imitating the government's self-prohibition.

Today, many businesses-emulating the government's "wall of separation"-are forbidding their employees to wear religious symbols or to talk about their faith in the workplace. One extreme example: the Florida Boys and Girls Club banning the song "Kum Ba Ya" because it includes the word Lord (WORLD, Aug. 26).

Eight-year-old Samantha Schultz was prevented from singing the song at a talent show sponsored by the North Port, Fla., club's day camp. Bill Sadlo, director of operations of the club, said he did not let Samantha perform the song because he was afraid parents of other children might complain at a religious song being sung at the nonsectarian camp. "We don't want to take the chance of a child offending another child's religion," Mr. Sadlo said.