Whereas the free exercise of religion is an inherent, fundamental, and inalienable right protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; Whereas the United States has long recognized that the free exercise of religion is important to the intellectual, ethical, moral, and civic development of individuals in the United States, as evidenced by the Founders of the United States, such as— (1) Benjamin Franklin, who believed religion to be uniquely capable of educating a citizenry for democracy ; and (2) George Washington, who said in his farewell address, Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. ; Whereas religious education is useful for self-development because it asks students to consider and respond to questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life, engages students in questions about morality and justice, and enables students to identify their values; Whereas studies like the one published by the International Journal of Mental Health Systems in 2019 have shown that religious education can be instrumental to improving adolescent mental health by helping children learn how to make decisions based on morals, promoting less risky choices, and encouraging connectedness within a community, which can enhance self-esteem and well-being; Whereas religious education fosters respect for other religious groups and individuals generally by acknowledging a source for human dignity and worth; Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States found in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510 (1925), that the State does not have power to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.