I have just read a most articulate letter from a pupil attending a local Catholic College. Here’s an extract but you can read the full letter at http://www.lancshumanism.org.uk/newsletters.html

There have been incidents where I’ve come into
conflict with teachers because of my beliefs – some
consider my Atheism to be teenage stubbornness.
I’m not taken seriously: as Muslim or Jewish pupils
would be.
On Ash Wednesday our class was called to the
Chapel to receive ashes. Not wanting to “cause a
scene” and remained behind to complete my work.
My head-teacher walked in and started talking in a
raised voice about how “disappointed” she was in
me and how Lent was a time of “repentance”, and I
was being ignorant and disrespectful.
I said the administration of the ashes was a
Christian tradition, and not believing in the religion,
I had no place being in the Chapel. Remaining in
the room was the most respectful thing to do. And
she had no right to judge me and my beliefs.
This is not the first incident I’ve had with my head