The Battle Over The Religious Homework

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.

Religion is one of the most controversial issues in society today. The concern of allowing prayer in schools is an on-going debate and has resulted in numerous lawsuits. Religious school clubs, after school activities, curriculums, and moments of silence during school are just a few of the court cases that judges have administered. People in favor of prayer in schools believe that their children can only learn certain values through religious practice. On the other hand, an individual against religious practice in schools views this issue as an infringement on his or her children’s rights as Americans.

When working with students assignments that deals with religion, we as educators have to take various things into considerations. We have to allow students the opportunity to express themselves even when dealing with religious

Recently, students were instructed to write an essay along with a pictorial representation of the person they considered to be their hero. Since one student chose Jesus as his hero and submitted a drawing of the Last Supper, possible legal complications need to be considered before grading and displaying the assignment. An examination of First Amendment legal issues that arise when a student submits an assignment of religious nature will provide insight into how the First Amendment applies in the classroom.

In cases having to do with constitutionality, the issue of the separation of church and state arises with marked frequency. This battle, which has raged since the nation?s founding, touches the very heart of the United States public, and pits two of the country's most important influences of public opinion against one another. Although some material containing religious content has found its way into many of the nation's public schools, its inclusion stems from its contextual and historical importance, which is heavily supported by material evidence and documentation. It often results from a teacher?s own decision, rather than from a decision handed down from above by a higher power. The proposal of the Dover Area School District to

One of the most highly debated aspects of American life and liberty is religion. America’s foundation is based upon the idea that religion should be a freedom and a choice of the person involved, not a requirement by the government. Yet religion is one of the very things to United States was founded on. In the last half of the 20th century, the differing opinions Americans held on religious conviction became an ongoing debate on where and when is the right time to observe one’s faith. Most notably this debate extended to the public schools. One of the most prominent cases was that of Engel v. Vitale. The court case of Engel v. Vitale became known as the School Prayer decision and was the first of its kind in the American judicial

To not display his work just because of its religious context would appear to be biased against religion. However, if the teacher did not display all student work, it may be improper to display this student’s work. In the case of Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000), it was determined that using a public address system for the purpose of student prayer prior to a game was unconstitutional. The student was chosen specifically to pray before the game. Forcing students to listen to a prayer is not allowed. This student’s work is not being broadcast to the entire student body but is being displayed with all of the work of the other students in his class.

For centuries, the debate has existed whether or not to allow prayer in public schools. Many Americans feel it is not right of the schools to teach religion. With all the diversity associated with the United States, public schools cannot select one standard religion to practice, due to the cultural and religious differences in the country. Not only are schools the storm center of controversy involving religious differences, they are the principal institution charged with transmitting the identity and mission of the United States from one generation to the next. If we fail in our school policies and classrooms to model and to teach how to live with differences, we endanger our experiment in religious liberty and our

Advocates for incorporating request to God in school have contended for quite a while that banning the act of supplication to God in school is a barefaced infringement of religious opportunity as characterized in the Free Exercise Clause. By permitting supplication to God in

Stanley Fish’s article Stepping On Jesus, talks about the idea of a higher power and how some will defy higher authorities in order to respect their values. While not everyone believes in a higher power, many will still show signs of respect and will demonstrate the power of iconic symbols in their lives. Throughout his article, Fish states many different points and beliefs on what is right and what may be controversial topics to others. Fish’s article in the New York Times, he aims to show both sides of the controversial assignments given to students, these assignments aim for the beliefs and strong views that students hold. They start discussions and many students even refuse to complete them due to their insensitivity to their beliefs.

Many people today have their own personal beliefs. In a school setting, there have been many controversial situations that have been brought to court to help resolve individual rights. As National Coalition Against Censorship (2017) stated, the First Amendment guarantees of religious liberty include the freedom to believe or not to believe, to observe one’s faith openly without government interference, Freedom of speech encompasses religious as well as secular speech, but the Establishment Clause is where Thomas Jefferson described it as “a wall of separation between church and state”, because it has important implications for religious speech and observance in public schools” (Retrieved from http://ncac.org/resource/the-first-amendment-in-schools-resource-guide-religious-expression-in-the-public-schools). For this paper, legal issues regarding grading of assignment, appropriate of displaying student’s work, application of First Amendment to scenario, and conclusion will be discussed.

I believe that scripture, liturgy and prayer are important aspects of Religious Education that allow students’ faith development to flourish. I have continuously endeavoured to ensure that Catholic education is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. I believe that the Catholic Church’s values should be practised in all interactions and experiences in life. My faith and values extend throughout my actions and personality, and believe that students have the right to practise their faith similarly. Therefore, my classroom would be a place where students have the opportunity to learn and acknowledge diverse faiths and interpret them in the light of the Christian faith through practicing the value of mercy and compassion.

When it comes to students who are from religious background their work can be displays because it is a part of their first amendment. The first amendment mentions how everyone is able to express religion and freedom of speak. This is something that cannot be taken away from students. Due to the fact that the first amendment is made up from the bill of rights, and the bill of rights are there to protect the citizens. According to the Anti-Defamation League (2012), it was mentioned that students can write about their religious topics however a teacher cannot post them up if it shows symbols. In which symbols can be looked upon as promoting the religion to other students. It was mentioned that no schools should violate the Establishment Clause.

The subject of religion in public schools is one that has been debated vigorously and passionately. The warriors from the Right and Left fail to appreciate the facts because they are caught up in the rhetoric and have difficulty viewing this emotional topic dispassionately (Haynes, 2011). Both sides are right about one thing: this is an important subject.

One of the avenues of influential learning is in school. The place where students spend half of their life. Going to school aids students in acquiring knowledge, establishing rapport and developing skills. When students attend school, they showcase not only their characters traits and attitudes, but they also carry with them their cultural differences and religious practices. (Green & Oldendorf, 2005). Looking at how diverse our society is, the question of teaching religions and their ideologies at a school-level rise. Whilst the state practices neutrality towards religion, there are still issues and challenges when it comes to accommodating religious diversity and its integration in the education system (Berger, 2013, p.104). Therefore, integrating religion in the education system can lead to