Haynes, Religion in Public Schools

Rethinking Chapters I chose to discuss: ● 2: Why should study about religion be included in the curriculum? ● 13: May students express religious views in public schools? ● 16: May public schools accommodate students with special religious needs?

2: Why should study about religion be included in the curriculum?

● The curriculum in schools should study and have knowledge about religion because it is important to know the history and societal background when discussing curriculum about social studies, literature, art, music, and humanities. For students to become well-educated citizens they need to be able to have an understanding of why religion has important an impact on culture, history, politics, and society as a whole. I do think that it is very important that teachers do not express their own religious backgrounds or try to persuade or indoctrinate students to feel a certain way about religion, either for or against it. Teachers and other faculty members need to stay neutral about this topic of religion and stay subject to the First Amendment and the Establishment Clause. When it comes to the curriculum, it is crucial to educate students about religion and how it has had an impact on our society today.

13: May students express religious views in public schools?

● Students should be allowed to express their own religious views in public schools, as long as they keep it private to themselves or anyone else who joins them in expressing religion and does not bring their religious views onto someone else, especially in a rude pushy matter. Everyone is entitled to their own views and own practices but it should always be done within oneself and private. Prayer or the discussion of religion to other participating and willing people is acceptable as long as the student(s) is not being disruptive or compelling others to participate. According to the First Amendment, students can express their religious views because the First Amendment protects them and their right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Students can express their religion whether it is praying before lunch or a test, discussing their opinions in-class discussion (if relevant), or even expressing their religion through class assignments or homework (if relevant).

16: May public schools accommodate students with special religious needs?

● Schools or teachers can not discriminate against any student based on their religious needs. With this said, most schools are reluctant to accommodate students with special religious needs or practices. However, not all schools are willing to do so it really just depends on the school officials and how willing and accommodating they can be. I do think that no matter how willing or accommodating school officials are to be for this matter, all schools should be inclined to accommodate students for their specific religious needs and help out as much as possible. For example, if a certain student needs a quiet place to pray or has to wear a head covering where no “hats” are

allowed, teachers and school officials should grant students this because it is a part of their religious values and practices. With this being said, I do think that parents need to speak to teachers beforehand about their children’s religious needs because it is not the teacher’s responsibility to enforce these requirements but they can be accommodating for the children.