After reading the article "Religion and schools: The debate heats up 2009", I do not agree with District Judge Robert Gettleman when he stated "the law was an unconstitutional breach of the separation of church and state". This decision was after hearing the atheist man and his daughter testify against the moment of silence in schools. Since when does moment of silence and prayer mean the same thing? Teachers do not say moment of prayer. The children can choose to pray, sing in their heads, think about the assignment that is due, think about sports, or whatever they choose. No one in the classroom is going to know if you are praying or not. I don't always pray during those moments of silence. I am thinking about if I have everything ready for my first group that is about to walk through the door. To debate this in court is just a ridiculous waste of taxpayer's money!
I also do not agree with changing the language of the science curriculum when it comes to "strengths and weaknesses" in evolution. We teach our children to compare and contrast, agree or disagree, list strengths and weaknesses with all subject areas and units. Children are supposed to use critical thinking skills and we should let them form their own opinions based on what they see and hear.
I do not believe we should teach religion in schools but we should allow children to form religious clubs after school if they so choose. I also believe schools should respect everyone's choice of religion. With that said, I do not agree with the decision to expel the two children for not saluting the flag in the case with the Gobitas children and the courts. These children did not want to go against their religious values and beliefs. The first amendment right of free speech over turned this cased and protected other Jehovah witnesses from being forced to salute the flag. To read more about this case and other cases like it click the link below. I have also added another very interesting link for more information about religion and prayer in U.S. public schools.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_State_Board_of_Education_v._Barnette
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm
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Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on how religion should not be taught in schools, however they should have the freedom to exercise their religion if they want to. I do believe as educators we should allow are students to choose their religion and practice that in the designated areas. I enjoyed reading your blog! Thanks for sharing!
Angela Talley
Thanks Angela,
ReplyDeleteI am excited that TN has approved a new curriculum to teach the history of the Bible as an elective in high schools. We will see how this goes. I'm sure we will hear about it in the news. They are teaching it from a history stand point, not a religious stand point.