Title: Religion in Public School Curriculum | Religion in Public Schools | ADL
Headings: Religion in the Curriculum
Religion in the Curriculum
SPECIFIC ISSUES & QUESTIONS
What distinguishes "teaching religion" from "teaching about religion"?
May schools teach the Bible as literature?
May schools teach secular values which coincide with religious values?
What are some concerns that arise regarding "teaching about religion" in public schools?
If students object on religious grounds to portions of a textbook, may they be excused from studying the material?
Aren't these rules just promoting a "secular religion"?
What happens when a student responds to a secular assignment with religious expression?
SAMPLE SCENARIOS & SITUATIONS
Sixth-grader Asks Teacher about Religious Beliefs of Historical Groups
How should Mr. Clark answer Talia's question on the settlers?
Parent of Sixth-grader Objects to Reading Assignment on Religious Grounds
Should Joe be exempted from using the standard reader?
Jewish Student Asked to Explain Hanukkah to Class
Should Mr. Parker have asked the student to explain Hanukkah? Should he have asked her mother?
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Content: The Bible may be studied as literature, but not as religious doctrine. The lesson must be secular, religiously neutral and objective. 7 Classes on the Bible as literature should be optional. 8 The Anti-Defamation League strongly suggests that such classes be taught by school personnel who have some training in Establishment Clause issues. May schools teach secular values which coincide with religious values? 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." 9
What are some concerns that arise regarding "teaching about religion" in public schools?