http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080415/ts_alt_afp/useducationreligion;_ylt=A0WTcWtcHA5ItZIAwwtQXs8F
http://www.startribune.com/local/17406054.html
The first link regards a teacher who was restrained from partaking in student lead prayers. Previously he had lead students in prayer and I can understand the school requiring him to stop, but I think it is some what extreme that he cannot even partake in "kneeling and head-bowing rituals".
The second link regards a charter school in Minnesota that has become the center of debate. Some feel that the school is Muslim and support from state funds is unconstitutional. There are concerns that students are being required to partake in prayer and study of the Quran. If these allegations are true I am surprised that the school was allowed to be founded and able to operate for so long. Nothing against Muslims opening and operating a school based on their faith but using state funding to do so is unfair.
Showing posts with label religion in public schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion in public schools. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Santas, and Dreidels, and Gelts! Oh, my!
In response to A. Wilson's blog on recognizing holidays in public schools, the following link provides guidelines. http://www.freedomforum.org/publications/first/findingcommonground/B08.Holidays.pdf
This topic is also timely, considering that our group (Dipti, David, and I) will be talking about teacher freedom of expression tomorrow night. In summary, the Supreme Court has ruled that public schools may not sponsor religious practices, but they can teach about religion as part of history and cultures (Teach it, but don’t celebrate it.). Also, the Supreme Court has let stand a lower federal court decision stating that it may be constitutional to recognize holidays for the purpose of secular instruction about religious traditions; however, the article warns teachers to avoid asking students to explain their religious beliefs and customs. Also, concerts dominated by religious music, especially when coinciding with a religious holiday, should be avoided. But interestingly, the article also recognizes that it’s unrealistic to ban all seasonal activities from school. All one has to do is walk down any elementary public school hallway in December to know that’s the case.
This topic is also timely, considering that our group (Dipti, David, and I) will be talking about teacher freedom of expression tomorrow night. In summary, the Supreme Court has ruled that public schools may not sponsor religious practices, but they can teach about religion as part of history and cultures (Teach it, but don’t celebrate it.). Also, the Supreme Court has let stand a lower federal court decision stating that it may be constitutional to recognize holidays for the purpose of secular instruction about religious traditions; however, the article warns teachers to avoid asking students to explain their religious beliefs and customs. Also, concerts dominated by religious music, especially when coinciding with a religious holiday, should be avoided. But interestingly, the article also recognizes that it’s unrealistic to ban all seasonal activities from school. All one has to do is walk down any elementary public school hallway in December to know that’s the case.
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