Title: Four Reasons Why You Should Teach About Religion in School (Opinion)
Headings: Four Reasons Why You Should Teach About Religion in School
Four Reasons Why You Should Teach About Religion in School
Anthony Jackson
Rev. Mark E. Fowler
Marisa Fasciano
1. Religiously motivated hate crimes are on the rise.
2. Our student body is more diverse.
3. Religious literacy is key to a well-rounded education.
4. Students have a First Amendment right to religious expression in school.

Content: praying in the presence of students; indoctrinating students in a particular religious belief; religiously observing holidays; erecting religious symbols on school property; distributing religious literature for persuasive purposes; or
displaying a preference for religion over non-religion, or vice versa. The Free Exercise Clause, on the other hand, affirms that certain religious activity in public schools is protected. As long as students do not coerce or otherwise infringe on the rights and learning of their schoolmates, they can
engage in private prayer during the school day; express their religious beliefs in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments that meet educational goals; and
obtain excusals from specific classroom discussions or activities for religious reasons.