Religion in Public Schools

The article “Religion in Schools: The Debate Heats Up” summarizes two present day cases of religion in our schools.

1. A federal judge rules the Illinois state law requiring students to begin the school day with a moment of silence is unconstitutional because it violates separation of church and state.
2. A political and religious debate arises over the Texas science curriculum standards for evolution. Some feel the current standards put too much doubt in Darwinism in order to promote creationism. Others feel that there is too much emphasis on Darwinism and other theories need to be introduced.

The Library of Congress Artifact on the Gobitas flag saluting case presents information on the cases and decisions made when Billy Gobitas refused to salute the flag due to his religious beliefs. Eventually it was ruled that not saluting the flag for religious reasons is a freedom of speech, therefore the state could not make students salute the flag in school.

While both stories present information on religion in public education, the way religion is expressed is very different. The article on religion in schools presents cases where the schools/states are allegedly incorporating religion in the school. The Gobitas artifact presents a religious stand that an individual took. There is a different overall feel to the argument when someone or a group is saying I do not want to participate due to my religious views as opposed to the state saying we will or will not enforce this in our schools. A person has right to express their religious views, but the state does not have the right to enforce religious views on an individual.

The Illinois case has similarities to the Gobitas case. In both situations the school is saying we practice this exercise (the pledge, moment of silence). Where they differ is the individuals’ response. Gobitas expressed, due to his religious beliefs, he would not participate. The family involved in the Illinois case is saying nobody should participate. Based upon the information I have read the Illinois law it is not designed to facilitate religion in the classroom. It is in place to give students a moment of reflection. No matter a persons religious or spiritual beliefs a moment of silence for one’s own thoughts, whether it is a prayer or other thoughts, can be a good way to regroup and begin the day. While I think it is fine for the state to say the schools need to allow for a moment of silence, I think they are flawed in their wording. The law is named the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. It is quite clear from the act that it is not encouraging religion, however by simply using the word prayer they opened the door for opposition.

The Associated Press (2009, January 21). Judge voids Illinois Law on Silent Time in
Schools. The New York Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/education/22illinois.html?_r=2&ref=education

McKinley, J.C., Jr. (2009, January 21). In Texas, a line in the curriculum revives
evolution debate. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/education/22texas.html?ref=education

Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act (105Â ILCSÂ 20/). Retrieved from
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1008&ChapAct=105%C2%A0ILCS%C2%A020/&ChapterID=17&ChapterName=SCHOOLS&ActName=Silent+Reflection+and+Student+Prayer+Act.