Letter from McCordsville 1st grade teacher: Keep "God, Jesus and Devil" out of class conversation

McCordsville, Ind. -- A letter sent home with a class of first graders in McCordsville asked parents to tell their kids they can't use the words "God, Jesus and Devil" in school.

In the letter, sent home with students Wednesday, the teacher said a group of "about 5 students" had been using the words in class even after she had spoken to them about it. The teacher is now requesting parents to talk to their kids about why it is not appropriate to use those words in school. 

"With McCordsville Elementary being a public school, we have many different religions and beliefs, and I do not want to upset a child/parent because of these words being used,” the letter said. “If you got to church or discuss these things at home, please have a talk with your child about there being an appropriate time and place of talking about it.”

Superintendent Shane Robbins said that the district is addressing the note with the teacher. Robbins said they want to be sympathetic to students from diverse backgrounds but they do not have the right to disrupt their freedom of speech.

"In this situation, we want to be sympathetic to all our students with diverse backgrounds.  But at the end of the day, they have the freedom to say things as long as it's not disruptive to the environment," said Robbins.

School board policy states that because they are a public school, the district cannot “advance or inhibit” any religious observances, according to Robbins.

MORE TOP STORIES | State website offers advice to Hoosiers in event of nuclear attack | Best public high schools in Indiana for 2018 | These are the hate groups operating in Indiana | Over 60 eviction notices posted on doors at apartment complex on Indy's east side | PHOTOS: Inside look at the Mass Ave Coke plant