Religion and Schools

In a letter to the Danbury Baptists, Thomas Jefferson used the phrase, “wall of separation between the church and the state.¹” While it is sometimes a fine line to walk, I firmly believe in the separation of church and state. This division between the two helps to ensure not only religious freedom, but also intellectual freedom.

Recently, a federal judge in Illinois ruled that observing a moment of silence in the classroom was unconstitutional and a breech between the separation of church and state². In Texas, the State Board Of Education is considering revising the science curriculum so that the possible strengths and weaknesses of evolution cannot be taught². Early in the 20th Century, the Supreme Court decision in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, denied the government the authority to compel the saluting or the reciting of pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag³.

A moment of silence can be filled with internal reflection, thought, or prayer. It is a personal choice what one does with that moment. What I find interesting is that silence, where nothing is being said or promoted, is unconstitutional. I personally do not believe that a moment of silence is crossing the line between the separation of church and state. If students have to right to choose not to salute or pledge to the flag, why can they not choose how to spend their moment of silence?

The government cannot sanction religion. I do not believe that creationism or intelligent design should be taught by a teacher in the science classroom. Creationism is not science, it is a belief based on faith. On the other hand, I do believe that it is important that students develop an understanding and respect for others’ religious beliefs. Teaching students to value diversity, guiding the students in character education, and helping students investigate moral and ethical decisions can be included in the curriculum without bringing in religious beliefs.


¹All About History. (2009). Separation of church and state. Retrieved May 14, 2009, from http://www.allabouthistory.org/separation-of-church-and-state.htm.

²Calefati, J. (2009, January 22). Religion in schools debate heats up. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2009/01/22/religion-in-schools-debate-heats-up.html.

³Library of Congress. (n.d.). Letter, Billy Gobitas to Minersville, Pennsylvania, school directors . Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mcc:@field(DOCID+@lit(mcc/016)).