Another chance at compensation

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, says he will file a claims bill today on behalf of a North Florida woman who charges that the state Department of Education discriminated against her and her faith-based company because she's an evangelical Christian.

"She deserves restitution," Lawson told The Gradebook, referring to Karen "Kay" Stripling, who hails from Marianna in Lawson's district. "The government should not destroy people's lives and their job and their income simply because it appears somebody in the department didn't like her and accused her falsely."

Lawson said the claim is for about $3 million. A similar bill, for $2.7 million, was filed last year by Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, but later withdrawn. Lawson says the House companion bill will be filed today by Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City.

Stripling says in a pending lawsuit filed that DOE employees targeted her and her company, Read & Lead, because they were on a "Bush witch hunt" of faith-based providers in 2003 and 2004. According to the suit, they told state and federal investigators that she mishandled federal money, which led to a federal probe and the threat of indictment.

Surreal? To be sure. The Stripling story even has a FAMU connection.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Comments

[Stephen & Barb Underwood]

Let's help Kay by joining together and fighting the Florida Commissioner of Education. We need phone # and Address.

Jack & Barb

[Vicki Floyd]

As a fellow Floridian with a master's degree in education, I am appalled that the DOE has attempted this, much less gotten away with it. And why we are not seeing this story on a more public forum? You can bet that if this situation targeted another 'type' of person rather than a Christian, we would be hearing this story all over the media. Where is it?

[Edward Banks Jr.]

Kay's faith-based educational programs were focused on providing "kindness" to needy students - not - "religion"..... she did not care whether or not any student went to church, or what religion, or if they were an atheist. The education of the children was her primary focus and she delivered it with kindness and compassion.

I am an African American; her business mainly helped minorities (I wish her program was around when I was still in school) ......

I think why she and everyone else like us find this kind of abuse so difficult to comprehend is that she taught using kindness, compassion, and empathy... she did not teach religion... she had great success... the children all loved her...

Now she knows where the phrase, "No good deed goes un-punished!" comes from.

[The Mendez family]

My daughter says prayers for you every night!

You have our support Kay!

[Audrey H.]

This is an outrage. I applaud Sen. Minority Leader Al Lawson. And I support home schooling. Karen Lawson never should have been targeted. A criminal investigation? The Pilgrims left England to settle in this "new world" for freedom of religious. Has the Florida Government forgotten that? Perhaps this is not taught in public schools anymore.

Why is that in most cases of criminal accusations, one is considered "innocent" until proven guilty, thus the courts must do the proving of guilt, but when it comes to the IRS and certain other departments of the government, one is considered "guilty" and must then prove his or her own innocence to the respective government agency, a process that can cost huge number of dollars for the accused? Is it any wonder that so many companies are needing "bailouts". The government costs businesses too much money.

[Lisa S.]

As an educator and a private citizen, I am still amazed that the U.S. Dept. of Ed. is even allowed to exist at this point. I am so very tired of the extreme political antics of the U.S. Dept. of Ed and most of the state departments, and now this! I believe an investigation of the Florida DOE itself is in order.

Here's a thought........ Let's save the taxpayers some money and get rid of the Departments of Education altogether. We don't need more bureacracy to improve our education system. We need discipline, values, and high standards - something these departments have clearly forgone.

[Cynthia]

FAMU connection said:

Stripling's suit, filed in June, says Education Department statements led investigators to threaten her with a federal indictment and the possibility of fines and prison time, but investigators backed off after concluding the department was wrong. The suit alleges some department staffers resented the involvement of faith-based companies in educational activities.

Cyphers said Posey withdrew Stripling's claims bill last week because "we still had no ... court-provided evidence" for substantiation. Her case is pending in Leon County circuit court.

I believe this should have been enough to close this ignorant case.
investigators backed off after concluding the department was wrong.
had no ... court-provided evidence" for substantiation.

[Palin Supporter]

I suggest Kay contact Jay Sekulow at the Center for Law and Justice.
http://www.aclj.org/Contact/

[Greg Sinadinos Sr]

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHRISTIANS IS THE REAL ISSUE HERE. The Founding Fathers of our country created everything based on their belief in God and our freedom to worship. God was everywhere in Government... public buildings, writings, mottos. Separation of Church and State had to do with Control and leadership, not that there is no God in Government. They obviously did not believe that. Leave this woman alone and restore her economic hardship caused by an unfounded witch hunt. Thanks Sen. Lawton for recognizing this.

[Apostle M. A. Conte]

When will discrimination against Christians in this country be stopped? Our nation protects every religion and lifestyle good and bad across the world, however, when it comes to protecting decendents of our forefathers of this wonderful country our nation turns it backs on the heritage our forefathers brought to this land. Set this woman free!! You have caused her enough harm!

[Leatha Basco]

It's amazing that the govenment will rush to the bailouts for these huge 'private sector' companies ,but let one person speak up for their beliefs and they will come after you with a vengence!,,How about spending all this time and money on getting 'real' croocks' such as Jefferson that was caught with millions in his freezer,,or like Blango trying to make millions by selling Obama's Senate Seat,,or how about Obama himself that is to corrupt himself to even 'prove' his 'true' nationality,,as well as all of the Voter Fraud 'dead peoples' votes,,as well as his ties with known terrorist,,I believe there are alot bigger fish to fry!,,
This woman has been through enough and I pray that it will be all over very soon and she will be righted for their wrongs!

[David Osborne]

any UPDATES.. there are a lot of us following this story.

David Osborne
Tallahassee

[Bardsmith]

What is going on with this story? I keep checking back, hoping to see that justice has been done. Last I heard, we had freedom of religion in this country. Ms. Stripling has been a victim of discrimination. Shame on the government for punishing a woman for believing in God!

[Karen C]

It is a terrifying moment every time I hear, see or read about anyone in this country being ostracized or penalized for their religious faith. Separation of Church and State was to prevent one particular doctrine over another from controlling all...it didn't mean to take God out of our country!

Last I checked we ARE STILL "One Nation Under God" and we best get back to acting like it or we will be forced to continue to have to protect our children and grandchildren from every kind of deviant and violent behavior known to man.

Each time we knock one of the "good guys" out of our systems of education, commerce, government, etc. we move closer to our own extinction as "The Land of the Free." Thank you, Senate Minority Leader Lawson, for your honorable and courageous leadership! Best Wishes for justice, Dr. Stripling!

[Duece]

"School sponsorship of a religious message is impermissible because it sends the ancillary message to members of the audience who are nonadherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and an accompanying message to adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community. " U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Santa Fe v. Doe, (2000)

[G.A.]

It is a shame that Christian parents can only afford to send their children to government schools due to the high taxation.

"Let me control the textbooks and I will control the state." -- Adolph Hitler

[El Guapo]

I am not a fan of any kind of religion in government, on our money, or as a holiday.

But I googled her name and read many of the articles and I feel that she was just responding to what that idiot Bush requested.

Besides, we do have freedom of religion here.

[James C. Mendez, Jr.]

Kay, here are some excerpts from the Constitution of the State of Florida that apply directly to you. Why don’t you run for the school board or other elected postion?

SECTION 2. State board of education.--The state board of education shall be a body corporate and have such supervision of the system of free public education as is provided by law. The state board of education shall consist of seven members appointed by the governor to staggered 4-year terms, subject to confirmation by the senate. The state board of education shall appoint the commissioner of education.

SECTION 3. Terms of appointive board members.--Members of any appointive board dealing with education may serve terms in excess of four years as provided by law.
SECTION 4. School districts; school boards.--
(a) Each county shall constitute a school district; provided, two or more contiguous counties, upon vote of the electors of each county pursuant to law, may be combined into one school district. In each school district there shall be a school board composed of five or more members chosen by vote of the electors in a nonpartisan election for appropriately staggered terms of four years, as provided by law.
(b) The school board shall operate, control and supervise all free public schools within the school district and determine the rate of school district taxes within the limits prescribed herein. Two or more school districts may operate and finance joint educational programs

SECTION 3. Religious freedom.--There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof. Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety. No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.

SECTION 6. Right to work.--The right of persons to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or non-membership in any labor union or labor organization. The right of employees, by and through a labor organization, to bargain collectively shall not be denied or abridged. Public employees shall not have the right to strike.

SECTION 8. Ethics in government.--A public office is a public trust. The people shall have the right to secure and sustain that trust against abuse.

(g) A code of ethics for all state employees and nonjudicial officers prohibiting conflict between public duty and private interests shall be prescribed by law.

SECTION 13. Suits against the state.--Provision may be made by general law for bringing suit against the state as to all liabilities now existing or hereafter originating

SECTION 23. Right of privacy.--Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the person's private life except as otherwise provided herein. This section shall not be construed to limit the public's right of access to public records and meetings as provided by law.

[Stephen & Barb Underwood]

Hi Kay, So sorry to hear about your problem. We must stick together and fight them. I live in Nevada and the Harry Reid Government is trying to press charges agaist the Lt. Governor who would like to run against Reid for U.S. Senator and probably could beat Reid. The charges are believed to be false. I hope your situation will improve soon. Barb & Jack

[TIRDAD GHARIB]

Good mornning to all and great senator congressman and women I have been in contact with and i am fighting radical islam to protect america the beautifull and all americans from evil Sentaor Lawson under^stands fully Karen beelives in God
lord jesus from her heart and soul. why?? Karen i have just known her for a short term and she is suffering she is in pain for what... beleiving in god.Lord Almighty
all of you please help Kay god bless you all of us must do and will do our part bles you all, for ever

[Darlene]

How come I am just hearing about this?!

I read A.B.C.'s long post and that scares me! That is freakishly accurate!

CNN needs to do a story on this! I am a Liberal Christian and this is just plain un-American!

[Barbara Sanders]

I hope you receive the Justice you are seeking. Our government doesn't have the right to persecute people for their believes The U.S. Was founded on freedom of religion.
You will be in my preyer's ,
In God's Love Barbara Sanders

[Barbara Sanders]

I hope you receive the Justice you are seeking. Our government doesn't have the right to persecute people for their believes The U.S. Was founded on freedom of religion.
You will be in my preyer's ,
In God's Love Barbara Sanders

[Pam]

What happened to this Florida lady is an outrage and should not be allowed to happen in America! I pray she will be compensated for this.

[A.B.C.]

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Thomas Jefferson

Has anyone seen the Communist Goals of 63 list?

On Thursday, January 10, 1963 Mr. S. Herlong, Mr. Speaker, and Mrs. Patricia Nordman went on record on the floor of the House of Representatives about the current goals of Communism at that time! It is absolutely scary to me how much they have accomplished!

I won’t list them all… just the pertinent ones, even though that still leaves a lot. Google it and read them all, It is frightening!! Remember that this was stated on record in 1963! #28 is about Dr. Stripling!

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament [by] the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms.”

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art.”

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.”

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy.”

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch.”

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state.”

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man.”

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use ["]united force["] to solve economic, political or social problems.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction [over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction] over nations and individuals alike.

God bless you Kay... and God help our so-called government! Of the people, By the People, and FOR the People!

[Phil Dedrick]

Ms. Stripling deserves justice and compensation at every level. ENOUGH SAID!!!

[Jennifer P]

It is almost 2009 and the attack on Christians all over the world is only getting worse. We are told everywhere about the "religion of peace" as its radical followers murder innocent Christians on 2 continents. Christians here in the US are being attacked from all sides under the guise of "Freedom from religion." This is just another example of a bloated government with agenda driven liberals seeking to destroy all that is fundamentally American. I read about Kay on teamsarah.org-go Kay! I hope you get the justice and retribution you deserve.

[Sheila]

The link above is true, it happened to me. Today I am thanking God that I am alive, and that material things is nothing when your life is at risked. I am fighting to clean my record and reputation to get a job, and start over.
A case was built to take away my property, and damage my career and reputation creating financial hardship and ruin my life for ever, I am losing my property too, I don’t have were to go yet , but I am not desperate, I hope at last minute someone will help or something will comet, it is incredible, that is the intention, personally it I will not give that gift to see me crazy as they wish, they want you mentally disable to justify a crime or a fraud against you and document it, think that your family needs you. What will happen with your kids if you are not with them? I was turned down more than one; I learned their strategy, this is not a surprise for me.
My recommendation is to report it to it to the right person and call the police department on anything that you see is not normal and get evidence or prove to protect you and keep copy. Remember if you do not report it, you are not protected. Anyway you will be at risked, so why not getting protected

[Bardsmith]

I have been following this story for some time now, and I must say I'm appalled. Why should Kay Stripling be punished for believing in God? Don't we have freedom of religion in this country? Ms. Stripling deserves restitution NOW. And the government employees responsible for persecuting her should be thrown in jail.

[John G]

She deserves restitution, period end of story.Kay Stripling was targeted for her faith and committment to Jesus Christ and she should not have had to go through this.

[Stanley Phillips]

I find the actions of the Florida Dept of Education, reprehensable, and support this measure to help make things right. NO One should have to suffer because of religious affiliation, or convictions.

[Josette B.]

As I follow this story I get madder and madder at the Christian indifference towards these outlandish sequence of events.

For those of you who do not know, I will catch you up... In a nut-shell:

North Florida resident Karen "Kay" Stripling filed suit after the DOE refused to pay her more than $200,000 for work she did helping high school dropouts obtain GEDs. Then the DOE made numerous false statements, both written and oral" to state and federal investigators about her company, those statements led investigators to threaten Stripling with a federal indictment and the possibility of fines and prison time, but then investigators backed off after concluding the department's assertions were wrong. She has spent her life savings to clear her name and has suffered nervous breakdowns. The DOE ruined her career, her life, and her health.

[JP]

I graduated with a degree in business and I was witness to much of this going on.

I have actually taken the time to read every comment on this page... this issue needs international media coverage! Why haven't all of these "so-called" champions of justice helped out! Where are all of the outraged voices of Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Ingraham, Levin, O'Reilly, and Savage?

Senator Dan Patrick is vocal about issues like this... where is he?

Why isn't the ACLU championing this?

What is wrong with Americans today? What happened to the fight and spirit we were all known for?

Thank you Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson! At lease someone has some good ol' fashioned horse sense!

[Jai]

I am a Marine (non-active) and I saw first hand the evil of radical Islam.

I have not been to church in 20 years, so I am not going to pretend to be something I am not.

It seems like the media and aspects of our government/non-profit organizations are shoving "How peaceful Muslims are" down our throats but attacking Christianity both publically and on the downlow.

This is not the country I fought for!

God! Country! Corp!

[Mark Mendez]

I am not a nut, but I am a faithful Christian. The signs are becoming ever more clear of our Lords return.

This 'witch-hunt' of Christians will be addressed one way or the other.

[Keely]

I wish I could say this is unbelievable!

What has happened to this great country we live in?

Our Founding Fathers of the United States of America gave us Freedom of Religion! It is time to take back our Constitution and do away with a few of the corrupt politicans who allowed this to happen to Ms. Stripling.

I say enough is enough!

God Bless you for standing up for your rights and God Bless America!

[Dapaga]

What a strange state of affairs.

What happened to "justice for all?"

Does Christianity really scare people so bad that they use all the resources at their command to bury even the idea of it?

I hope that she can rally this into a wake up call for not only Christians, but anyone with a religious faith system they hold dear.

[MS. VET]

Those with absolute power tend to get corrupt in the application of this power over others. And if you throw into the mix a bitterness and anger towards those who show a religious faith then you have a very toxic mix. Our founding forefathers saw that this could happen so they put into the constitution the idea that the government (of any type or level) should not put into legislation the restricting any religious expression.

So this is a validation of sorts that this gutsy woman's business is effective. I guess the powers that were, wanted their kids ignorant vs taught by someone in the Christian faith. Along with convictions these people should receive counseling for their grandiose views of themselves as superior.

Ms. Stripling deserves justice and compensation at every level. And those who think they can get away with fraud, theft, and acts of conspiracy should take heed.... you will be caught eventually! Who do you think you guys are you state employee's? You should not be able to act as if you had immunity before you act. It doesn't work that way. I hope this bill passes. You go girl!

She should sue for defamation of character and slander. I know what is like to be falsely accused and it has many years of effect afterwards. Sometimes the manipulative and the powerful do get away with their lies, but I hope no so in this woman's case.

[zednemtheadventurer]

I read Kay's story to my six year old daughter and she was outraged... even a six year old child can see that this is obviously wrong.

My daughter felt so strongly about it, that I felt compelled to run and get my video camera. I taped her comments and sent them to Kay to try and give her some comfort during this holiday season.

Now Kay and I keep in touch. I am doing everything on my end to help her... but we all need to pull together because this is happening everywhere!

Ben Stein has a documentary out called "Expelled" which is about this very subject and how rampant it is. We all need to do something now or we deserve the consequences!

[Bruce]

This is a clear injustice. Freedom of religion is a basic right under the Constitution. The Founding Fathers of our country wanted to protect people of faith. Ms. Stripling's rights have clearly been violated. She deserves restitution. Thank you Senator Lawson.

[ana puloka]

We support you 100 percent Kay. It is due time for justice to be awarded. Thank yo for your example in perserving in times of trial and persecution.

[A. Cammon]

Our forefathers created a separation of "church" and "state" so that no future leader of our country would force others to a particular religion. Unfortunately, many today wield these words to create a destruction of "church" and "state" by irradiating all religion. To fill the void, the "church of atheism" is created and then many are forced to practice its teachings, which is EXACTLY what our forefathers were trying to prevent in the first place.

[J. C. Mendez, Sr.]

THIS HURTS! It's very un-American!

We have freedom OF religion... Not freedom FROM religion!

[At1WithNature]

It's time that the government stops bailing out the banks and starts bailing out the people!

[Frank Lowell Rice, PH.D, Austin, TX]

This saddens me to know that all the Companies , Banks and the like are getting bail out funds from the inability to manage the jobs they are hired to do, and we have citizens being rodded because of some Governmental foul up, that could cause someone to loose their home and everything they have worked for. Politicians can go out and raise 6 million to run for office illegally and we can't help one of our own. How sad, and what we have come to as a Nation of God fearing Citizens.

[Marty]

I know what it is like to weather false accusations, and government does it all the time. Small people with governmental power attack normal people because they have different views. Kay deserves justice, pass the bill and give her the money she deserves. Nothing can make up for the pain and loss of reputation, the least that can be done is to make good on the money she lost. And the weasels in the government that did this to her need to be fired. Right now.

[Laurie Davis, RN, BSN, LNC]

Kay has weathered enough of this witch hunt against her. It is time for Florida to wake up and see the injustice done to her by the DOE. I hope when all is settled, Kay sues the DOE and anyone or anything else for libel, slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and a whole bunch more causes of action. Please pass this bill and stop serving injustice on Ms. Stripling. This reminds me of our wrongly convicted Border Patrol agents, Ramos and Compean. What is wrong with this country? The corruption must be cleaned up and I know the right person to do so. She is Sarah Palin, and we need to get her in office in 2012. Blessings to Kay and don't give up the fight.

[Susanne Kacsandi]

Kay has obviously suffered much persecution at the hands of others who had hidden agenda, thank goodness what they concealed was revealed. I believe she should be duly compensated for her losses. God Bless you, Kay.

[FloJo]

These false allegations have had a devastating affect on Kay Stipling's life; not only did it destroy her income, it also severely damaged and nearly destroyed her reputation.
Where does one go to restore all that has been lost?
Though the scars of her history cannot be erased, Ms. Stripling deserves compensation; the D.O.E. in Florida made a mistake.