Title: Religion In Public Schools | Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Headings: Religion In Public Schools
Religion In Public Schools
Parents & students should make their own decisions about religion.
The separation of church and state ensures that:
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Content: The separation of church and state ensures that: Public schools can teach, but not preach, about religion. Public schools may instruct students about religion in an even-handed, objective manner, such as discussing the impact of religion on history, art, music and literature, or teaching a course on comparative religion. But they may not teach religiously based curriculum. Sound science and history is taught in public schools. Public schools may not teach religious doctrine, like creationism and intelligent design, in science class, nor may they disparage proven scientific theories like evolution because some believe it conflicts with their religion. Further, public schools may not teach inaccurate versions of American history that are based on religious teachings. Students feel like part of their school community. They aren’t singled out or excluded because they have different religious beliefs— or none. School assemblies with religious content and coaches who lead prayers in the locker room, for example, alienate students who belong to minority religions or are nontheists, and discourage many students from fully participating in school life.