Religion and Education
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Religion
a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes,
beliefs, and
practices ( In the early 1600’s some of the early settlers from Europe immigrated to North
America for religious freedom(Library of Congress,n.d.). When the founding fathers were
writing the US Constitution, they wanted to keep that in mind. The First Amendment protects the
freedom of speech, press and religion.The lines become a little blurry when it comes to education
and public schools being funded by state and federal funds. There are limitations as to what
teachers and students alike can do. While teachers can not promote or teach any type of religion,
they also can not hinder students from expressing their beliefs. Throughout history, there have
been many cases that have been taken to the US Supreme Court on the matter of religion and
education. Engel V Vitale for instance, the issue in this case was whether a prayer of a
nondenominational person was violating the US Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled that it
was in violation of the Establishment Clause (United States Courts, n.d.).
Suppose a classroom assignment was to complete an essay and a drawing of a person
who you consider to be your hero. A student returns the assignment with a written essay on Jesus
and a drawing with the last supper. Some educators could possibly find this somewhat puzzling
as to if they are allowed to display the students' work. The short answer is yes. This is an
expression of a student's belief which is their right. If an educator was to not display their work
they violated the students right of freedom of speech and religion. In this case the teacher made a
board assignment to the class as a whole as to who they think their hero is. The teacher did not
promote or encourage them to pick a religious figure.
