CHAPTER
12 – RELIGION
Religious
diversity and intolerance is a big issue in America and in the education
system. Because 80% of all Americans
identify as being Christian, this dominance along with the negative media slant
on other religions can make Christians come off as religious bullies. It makes
it confusing in classrooms when deciding when it is appropriate to allow
students to wear religious items especially when that item communicates hate of
another race or religion, such as the white supremacy. How we embrace religion
impacts every aspect of education, beginning with the school prayer.
As a
child we recited prayer in school. That has since been removed. We argue the
division between church and state. However, many of the holidays and days out
of school are tied around Christian religion. Schools policy regarding make up
work when children do not attend school is impacted. If a child misses school
due to an West Indian religious observance, that student is penalized for days out
of school.
As
far as evolution vs Intelligent Design, it is difficult for me to way in,
without bias, as to which method should be taught. I am a Christian. Therefore
my bias would be towards teaching the creation according to the bible. However
I would not force my view on others. Likewise I would not want their view
forced on me. Maybe it’s best, given the growing diversity in the classroom, to
remove this area as curriculum topic altogether.
QUESTION:
Is there a correlation between violence and bullying in the classroom and the
diminished presence of religion/prayer in schools? Does the lack of emphasis on
morals, values and character open the door to violence and poor behavior?
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