Have these court rulings gone too far? What role should religion play in public schools? What should be permitted?
Those who believe the Court has been too restrictive in regards to religion in schools argue:
- The U.S. Supreme Court has replaced freedom of religion,” guaranteed by the Constitution, for freedom from religion. To ban school prayer diminishes the religious freedom of students who would like to pray and forces them to act according to the dictates of a non-religious minority.
- The U.S. Supreme Court has misinterpreted the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. A simple and voluntary school prayer does not amount to the government establishing a religion, any more than do other practices common in the U.S. such as the employment of Congressional chaplains or government recognition of holidays with religious significance and National Days of Prayer.
- School prayer would result in many societal benefits. The public school system is tragically disintegrating as evidenced by the rise in school shootings, increasing drug use, alcoholism, teen pregnancy, and HIV transmission. School prayer can help combat these issues, would instill a sense of morality and is desperately needed to protect our children.
- School prayer would address the needs of the whole person. Schools must do more than train children’s minds academically. They must also nurture their souls and reinforce the values taught at home and in the community.
- School prayer would allow religious students an opportunity to observe their religious beliefs during the school day. The U.S. Supreme Court has urged school cooperation with religious authorities for “it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs.”
Obviously, many believe that the Court has struck a fair balance between the secular and sectarian world believe:
Public schools are intended for education, not religious observance or proselytization. Prayer is school is already legal. Students are already allowed to pray on a voluntary basis (in a non-disruptive way) so formal school prayer is unnecessary. School prayer may lead to intolerance. Public prayer will highlight religious differences of which students may have been unaware. Those students who abstain from school prayer may be ostracized. School prayer is inherently coercive and cannot be implemented in a way that is truly voluntary. The public school system is created for all students and supported by all taxpayers. It should therefore remain neutral on religious issues over which students and taxpayers will differ. Since no formal school prayer could honor the tenets of all the religions practiced in the U.S., as well as various denominational differences, prayer is better left in the home and religious institution of the individual student’s choice. A related argument is that school prayer usurps the role of parents and religious institutions who desire to provide instruction in keeping with their own beliefs.
Where are you on this issue?
Should religion be taught in schools? I don't see why not. In my opinion, most prejudice toward the faithful comes from a lack of knowledge of the religion. They just have to be careful and not step on anybody's toes (as everything has to be politically correct these days) they can't teach it like "this is the truth and you're wrong for thinking otherwise". They also can't have a time set aside where everybody has to pray. However in middle school and high school, we had a moment of silence where you were free to do whatever, you could pray, put your head down, text (except in middle school when the most cell phones could do was call each other, or calculate a tip). I think that struck a good balance between the two. It just has to be optional.
ReplyDeleteI think it should be an option and the students should decide whether or not they want to participate. It shouldn't definately be enforced, but it shouldn't definately be banned.
ReplyDeleteEveryone believes what they want to and that is what makes America the land of the free. To tell you the truth, even though some schools say you can't do anything religious on school grounds, they can't stop you from praying silently and to yourself. So all of the students should just do what they want (as long as religious sacrifice isn't in that category).
I agree with the person above. I believe that it should be an option. I don't think anyone should ever be forced into a religion especially at a school. Im kind of on the fence however, because I also agree with Jacob. A lot of people just go with what they have heard about religion, and that's how they become prejudice. Same with politics. People go with that they have heard about each candidate or party. I think in today's society we are all just ignorant and don't wanna take the time to see one anothers view. We also in middle and high school had a moment of silence every morning, and we could do whatever. I never remember my teacher giving out detentions because I wasn't praying.
ReplyDeleteKeisha Gravely said: With all the diversity now in America I think Religion should be on a volunteer basis. You can not subject everyone to one religion. Also you can not instill morals in someone if they are not being instilled at home how are you to Know what is being taught at home you can try to teach someone something but if it is not being carried thru at home then it is worthless. School is a place for learning enriching our youth with the knowledge that will help them make it as an adult they should be more worried about teaching our youth about finances.
ReplyDeleteI believe that religion should NOT be taught in school. For one thing if one religion is taught than ALL religions should be taught, and how can ALL religions be taught in school? Another reason is that a school is a place for education; religious beliefs are a personal thing and should be taught and practiced in the home.
ReplyDeleteI believe that if students want to take classes that deal with religion than they should be able too. I do not have a problem with having religion taught in public/private whatever school, but also at the same time I do respect the opinions of those who do not believe in God or have the same religion I do. I think the school systems should offer religion classes, like some others have said how can all religions be taught-no but just like signing up for classes here at Western, if there is not enough students to sign up then take that certain religion class out. Maybe more students and staff should here about "religion".
ReplyDeleteI believe that religion should be allowed to be taught in schools, provided that it is optional. I do not think anyone should be forced into an uncomfortable situation, however I think it should be there for those whose families wish to have it part of their childrens day to day lives. I don't want to step on any toes, but with the way society is today and all of the horrible things that have happened...it is apparent that by taking it out, things havent gotten any better...so perhaps maybe that's what's missing...?
ReplyDeleteI don't think religion should be in school only because there are so many religions out there. I wouldn't want someone trampling all over what we have worked so hard to instill in our children. we chose our religion because its what we believe and we don't want anyone telling our children otherwise. When our children are older then they can make their own decisions about their faith but until then I would like them to follow our family in our beliefs. I think every child and family should have the same rights.
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