How Does Religion Influence Public Education

Is it ok for students to express religious beliefs in class discussions, or through assignments? If you were Brittany Settle you would probably answer “No”. Settle v. Dickson County School Board, 53 F. 3d 152 (6th Cir. 1995), Brittany’s assignment was a research paper and her topic was drama approved by her teacher, which she later changed, without approval, to “The Life of Jesus”. The teacher refused her paper and Brittany received a zero. The teacher gave six reasons why she refused Brittany’s paper. Court ruled that Brittany’s free speech was not violated, by having to abide by a teacher's curriculum, and the teacher has control over the curriculum and classroom.

Since the topic of whether religion should or should not be taught in public schools is so controversial we can gather the importance of it. Marty and Moore discuss this very controversial topic in their article. Marty and Moore tell us the pros and cons to having religion in the public school curriculum. It’s such a controversial topic because both sides of the argument have good logical reasons. Religion is the most controversial discussion. Out of all the different topics why religion? One reason for this is because people begin with discussing, but then

In schools, the place where Americans first learned critical fundamentals and values of freedom, religion is separated from home life to school life. In the United States, 89% of public school teacher’s cannot lead a class in prayer, 36% can teach a class comparing religions in different countries, and only 23% can read from the Bible for examples of literature (citation). Without religious instruction in schools, students are not granted with the option to display their faith and practice their religion in a school setting. Despite the advantages, some Americans argue that teaching religion in public schools can be dangerous and harmful to students. Schools disapproving of students practicing

Gage Pulliam, a secular student, walked into his Oklahoma high school nervous and afraid of the reactions he would get for confessing he had reported a plaque of the Ten Commandments hanging in his classroom to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. This is the feeling hundreds of students face across America every day. The United States was started with the belief of freedom of religion for all people, but this belief is stained by the ignorance and incompetence of the public school system all around the country.

Issues involving public schools and religion have been topics involving intense debate. It is difficult for the government to elucidate the appropriate boundaries of religion in the public schools. It is true that teaching about religion is permitted in the public education systems, but the real question is where the margin should be set between teaching religion and simply teaching about religion. It is almost impossible to teach about the history of the United States without teaching that religious beliefs associated with the history, artwork, and literature. More than the public is lead to believe, The Constitution permits religious activities in and around public school buildings. It is unfortunate that the

Religion in the Public School Curriculum: Questions and Answers, which was issued by a coalition of 17 major religious and educational organizations,...describes the importance of religion in the curriculum through this statement: Because religion plays a significant role in history and society, study about religion is essential to understanding both the nation and the world. Omission of facts about religion can give the students the false impression that the religious life of humankind is insignificant or unimportant (Haynes, 2). Thus showing that religion was a vital part of the foundation of the United States. If we no

"JESUS in the classroom!" Are you feeling uncomfortable yet? Religion in the public school systems is among the top of the list of controversial topics in American society, We've long been advised to avoid this and other religiously politically intertwined subjects in polite conversation. If you're like most Americans, this topic makes you frustrated, high strung, or at least a little queasy. From the day the 1st amendment right appeared in the U.S. Constitution, to this present day, and surely into our nation's tomorrows, the proper role of religion in public schools has been, is, and will continue to be a subject of great debate. It is important for school officials, parents, and students

It is true what Mr.Prothero says about Americans knowing very little about other religions and sometimes even their own religion. The most well-known and practiced religion in America is Christianity, most Americans report that they are Christian, yet have never read the bible. Personally, I think most people identify themselves as Christians because they are afraid they would be judged if they weren’t or want others to think they have a good moral code. The reason American Christians know the bare minimum of their own religion is because they are not interested enough to read the entire bible (its pretty long) or they feel that they know a sufficient amount and don’t need to learn any further. Now, if we already cannot seem to understand

America is a very unique country. Considering America's diversity and constitutional beginings, religion has always been a red hot topic for debate; especially when it comes to its inclusion in our public school system. The first ammendment says this: "Congres shall not pass no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise therof". It is these words that caused religion in public schools to spiral into one of the most contested issues in America today. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has also created a divide among Americans on this issue. SCOTUS has protected the student's rights to pray, read from the Bible, wear religious headresses, express their religious view etc, but at the same

Religion in public schools have always been a big debate as to whether or not to allow religion in schools. There are many factors that go into religion at schools. Although the practice of religion is not currently allowed in public schools, many schools have religious clubs and prayer gatherings to go against not being able to practice religion in schools.

“Schools may indeed and should teach secular values such as honesty, respect for others, courage, kindness and good citizenship. These values, however, must not be taught as religious tenets. The fact that most religions also teach these values does not change the lawfulness and desirability of teaching them. It is also appropriate for school officials to instill in students such values as "independent thought, tolerance of diverse views, self-respect, maturity, self-reliance and logical decision-making”. This quote comes from a website that has the meaningful factors of religion within the school system. So with this it is presented that many sources argue with the topic from many different

In a country founded on religious freedom. The debate of having religion in our public school system has been the source of and enormous conflict. This question dates back further than the 19th century but its still foundation of many heated discussions that presently takes place in this day and age. The vast majority oppose to the thought of religion being present in our public school system. Relying on “The First Amendment” of the US Constitution. Which states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. This amendment also established “The Separation of Church and State” which is the political and legal doctrine that establishes that religious and government institutions

Religion in public schools is something that's been talked about and passed along multiple times throughout history. We of course have to consider that there's two sides to this, the ones for and the ones against it. The debate however, of religion teachings in public schools is much more complicated than it seems. Reason why is because our rights become involved as well as important clauses such as the 1st amendment and the Establishment

ii) There is an ongoing debate on whether or not it is appropriate to permit religion in public schools.

What is freedom of religion? Is it freedom to use whenever and wherever you want? Or is it like some believe you can express your religious views but not in a public place where those that don’t want to hear it don’t have to. We need to take a stand. Our country is known for freedom, but there are also laws set forth to keep America neutral in some senses.