Colorado Student Quits High School Choir Over Islamic Song Praising 'Allah'

But district spokesman Jeff Kirtland defended the decision to include the song.

"Choral music is often devoted to religious themes. ... This is not a case where the school is endorsing or promoting any particular religion or other non-educational agenda. The song was chosen because its rhythms and other qualities would provide an opportunity to exhibit the musical talent and skills of the group in competition, not because of its religious message or lyrics," Kirtland told FoxNews.com in an email while noting that the choir "is a voluntary, after-school activity."

"Students are not required to participate, and receive no academic credit for doing so," he said.

I support the school here for the same reason I support teaching religions in schools. Singing and teaching is not an example of proselytizing or praising or praying when other religious songs and studies are included. However, if this is questionable then it should removed along with all other religious songs.

For the record, I do think school-led prayer is wrong and think that "under god" should be removed from the pledge and often question why a pledge is needed at all (didn't have one for a hundred years).

Regardless, I think it is funny that this kid is being told the same thing that every atheist is told... no one is making you participate.