Such home and classroom work should be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school. For example, Michealangelo's mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is considered one of the greatest works of art ever created, and reflects the changing understanding of the power of art, perspective, and anatomy. The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a Tennessee student who argued that her junior high school English teacher unfairly discriminated against her when the teacher … He refused, and she gave him a zero on the project. Indeed no teacher with any sense is heading down the road of content discrimination. So when is it OK? Furthermore, consider this simple fact: Students will look at their own work more frequently than they will look at commercial materials. Therefore, they must obey the First Amendment. It is up to you which one you choose. Educators can’t display religious symbols in public schools, but that does not mean religious symbols can never appear in the classroom. Students may still feel left out, even if you teach about religion within legal parameters and use religious symbols appropriately. So when is it OK? Is bringing religious symbols into public school classrooms ever OK? What is the difference between a moment of silence and quiet reflection. Can a teacher wear religious garb to school, provided the teacher does not proselytize to the students? The assignment will be displayed in the classroom. Religious Symbols in Public Places The issue: What rules should govern the placement of religious symbols in public places? (We’ll touch a little more on realia later in the post.) Because teachers are considered agents of the state, they may not attempt to convert students in religious matters. (Practices outlined in Teaching Tolerance’s Critical Practices for Anti-bias Education can help teachers create classroom environments that reflect diversity and support students’ religious identities.). Instructional aids, in this context, are objects referenced during instruction to help students understand a particular religious heritage. Teaching the role of religion in the history of the United States has been allowed as well. 3. Inside this kit, you will find real, helpful facts and legal information regarding your religious rights as a student or teacher. In the 1960s’ school prayer cases (that prompt-ed rulings against state-sponsored school prayer and Bible reading), the U.S. Supreme Court indicated that public school education may … The right to freedom of religion includes the right to be free from religion: "Public schools are run by the government. The Ten Commandments, for example, are unarguably religious in nature. Students gain a great deal of ownership from this, so it’s important to show off their work. Another law directly related to religion and schools is the Equal Access Act, which ensures that student religious activities are given the same right of access to school facilities as comparable non-religious student groups. Students may still feel left out, even if you teach about religion within legal parameters and use religious symbols appropriately. (Practices outlined in Teaching Tolerance’s Critical Practices for Anti-bias Education can help teachers create classroom environments that reflect diversity and support students’ religious identities.). Can students express their beliefs about religion in classroom assignments or at school-sponsored events? Can I teach students about Christmas and Hanukah? Their permanent display in public schools communicates an endorsement for Christianity—just as hanging a Star of David in a classroom could make it appear that the school favors Judaism. What is the difference between a moment of silence and quiet reflection? Consider the Christmas tree. The main goal of a religious studies program (in most cases) is to help you understand the world’s various religions, as well as their relationships to culture both in the past and in the contemporary world. Perhaps the best way teachers can be supportive is to recognize and allow students’ free-speech and religious freedom activities. The courts may view such garb as creating a potential establishment-clause problem, particularly at the elementary school level. RE : Religious Education Display. Consider the Christmas tree. “The Free Exercise Clause protected Freshwater’s conduct as to his personal Bible,” she wrote. Science Teacher Cannot Display Religious Material in Classroom ... and that he did not display his personal Bible to his students. What Religious Studies Teaches You. “When the district asked Freshwater to remove his Bible from his desk, it was not asking him to cease a meaningless activity. Public schools teachers have the right to run student religious clubs on site immediately after the school day ends, a federal appeals court has ruled. Although early in the school year, the teacher might do much of the display planning and caretaking, as the year progresses, students can take an increasingly active role in displaying their work. A federal district court in New York ruled that a public school's display of a student's painting depicting a religious theme violated the first amendment's "nonestablishment of religion" clause. This is their classroom as much as ours. Can teachers or other school employees participate in student religious clubs? Yes, students have the right to share their beliefs, pray, evangelize, read Scripture, and invite students to participate in such activities during free time so long as they do not (1) substantially interfere with the operation of the school or (2) infringe on the rights of other students. The first webinar in the series, What’s law got to do with it? Teaching about religion and referencing religion when teaching other academic subjects presents many fine lines educators must maneuver—but they’re important and necessary lines to navigate. In the case before the Supreme Court, the student could either call out his/her score or walk to the teacher’s desk and reveal it in confidence, though by that stage the score was known at least to the one other student who did the grading. What does religious content look like in an academic setting? Yes, within limits. The courts may view such garb as creating a potential establishment-clause problem, particularly at the elementary school level. The Ten Commandments could, however, be temporarily displayed in a comparative literature classroom as an instructional aid in a lesson on the Bible as a literary source for other works. At the same time, you are not allowed to inhibit the expression of religion either. Teachers can, though, wear non-obtrusive religious jewelry such as a cross or Star of David. As a teacher, you can prepare students to accept all types of diversity, including religion. This Religious Liberty Protection Kit is a simple but high-quality tool for helping you guard the most precious freedom you or anyone in our society has: religious liberty, our first liberty in the Bill of Rights. • What does religious content look like in an academic setting? FFRF said they had learned about the classroom displays from an anonymous student and were acting on that student's behalf. When a teacher who works for the state speaks to a class, the teacher represents the school and the school board. Information… We have included two different sized booklets for printing to suit your display needs. This person is approachable, not only to students, but to everyone on campus. Introduction. The Ten Commandments, for example, are unarguably religious in nature. We all behave differently in different settings. Their permanent display in public schools communicates an endorsement for Christianity—just as hanging a Star of David in a classroom could make it appear that the school favors Judaism. This Religious Liberty Protection Kit is a simple but high-quality tool for helping you guard the most precious freedom you or anyone in our society has: religious liberty, our first liberty in the Bill of Rights. Religious music and art can be included as part of classroom instruction, but it is the teacher’s responsibility to make the connection to academic content clear, to refrain from and confront any form of proselyting or denigration of the religion or the adherents of that religion, and to include art representing multiple religious and secular worldviews. A student can even use the Bible in a class assignment as long as the student does so in a way that is relevant to the subject the teacher has assigned and meets the requirements of the assignment. 1 2 The fact that a display is donated by a private group or paid for by private funds will not affect whether it is permissible under the Establishment Clause. Probably not. freedom and the freedom to worship the religion of their choice. When learning about comparative religions, does your Buddhist student see herself in the instruction and class objectives as clearly as her Pentecostal classmate does? Despite the Supreme Court ruling, many students and families associate them with religions and religious holidays that not all members of the school community observe or celebrate. Probably not. We know the courts have interpreted the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to mean that public schools cannot promote religious or antireligious beliefs, yet we know that teachers can teach about religion as long as (a) the content is tied to academic objectives and (b) teachers do not attempt to indoctrinate students to a certain religious belief or nonbelief. • What is the difference between a moment of silence and quiet reflection? The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution can be interpreted in this case, and help further address whether there would be an issue in displaying this student’s work because of the religious concern. The assignment will be displayed in the classroom. When a teacher who works for the state speaks to a class, the teacher represents the school and the school board. A teacher can also show support by volunteering to serve as a faculty sponsor for student-led Christian clubs. The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment are often referred to as the Constitution’s “religion clauses” and—in certain scenarios—may seem to contradict each other. Strategically Engaging Religious Peacebuilders, Tanenbaum’s Religious Diversity Leadership Summits. When learning about comparative religions, does your Buddhist student see herself in the instruction and class objectives as clearly as her Pentecostal classmate does? Can a teacher in a public school display a personal Bible on a desk? A teacher should grade schoolwork with religious content on the same basis as other schoolwork. Can teachers or other school employees participate in student religious clubs? This can be difficult to do fairly and sensitively, especially when we have so much other content to teach as it is–that’s why so many teachers just tape some … Science Teacher Cannot Display Religious Material in Classroom ... and that he did not display his personal Bible to his students. Celebrate, no. We know the courts have interpreted the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to mean that public schools cannot promote religious or antireligious beliefs, yet we know that teachers can teach about religion as long as (a) the content is tied to academic objectives and (b) teachers do not attempt to indoctrinate students to a certain religious belief or nonbelief. Information… We have included two different sized booklets for printing to suit your display needs. Teach about, yes. Absolutely. Teaching students the differences between their home, school, and community settings can help them switch to appropriate behavior for each context. –Gibbs, David C., Jr., and David C. Gibbs III (2008). These are distinct religious practices and are considered “establishing a religion.” Students’ Rights. Educators have the responsibility to strike a balance between the two clauses, remaining within the legal parameters for honoring students’ right to free expression while avoiding messages or displays that favor one religion over another or that favor religion over non-religion. Wicht is the senior manager for teaching and learning at Teaching Tolerance. As they were working, several students experienced difficulties in the planning stage, including the student in the midst of this firestorm. Another example might be a Muslim prayer rug to illustrate the Islamic practice of Salah, or a poster about the Crusades in a history classroom depicting people holding crosses. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. There are several ways in which children can be involved. Just as students can bring other favorite books they are reading to school, they can also bring their Bibles or other religious books and read them during free time. isolated activities. Religion as Academic Content. And in this classroom, students share their work, learning from each other. The 8th U.S. Their display could marginalize non-Christian and non-Jewish students and be counter-productive to the positive school climate we work to establish. For example, we behave more formally at official ceremonies. A great teacher is warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. "Teachers should strive to conduct their classes in an inclusive manner so that students can participate fully without compromising their own personal beliefs," wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert to Superintendent Kane. Notes, Supreme Court decisions, etc. However, teachers or schools cannot be required, including by parents, guardians, or third-parties, to use religious symbols in teaching about religious holidays. (and the accompanying after-session pack), provided instructional tools and strategies to ensure teaching about religion is constitutionally sound and academically responsible. “When the district asked Freshwater to remove his Bible from his desk, it was not asking him to cease a meaningless activity. They can simply choose pieces of their own work that they give to the teacher to assemble into a display. At Focus on the Family, we received many questions like these during our nationwide religious-freedom event for students— Bring Your Bible to School Day on Oct. 6— as well as in response to a blog I contributed for ERLC on students’ rights. Displaying student work sends several important messages: As teachers, we value what students do. The question of “display” versus instructional use can be especially complex in art and music classes. Furthermore, consider this simple fact: Students will look at their own work more frequently than they will look at commercial materials. Despite the Supreme Court ruling, many students and families associate them with religions and religious holidays that not all members of the school community observe or celebrate. What Does the First Amendment Say About Displaying Religious Symbols? Teachers … School-sponsored displays of religious symbols, texts or artwork on school property are impermissible unless a display is integrated into an appropriate secular curriculum. Whether we have tons of bulletin board space, or none at all, as teachers we’re expected to proudly display student work for all to see. We’ll begin by looking at religion as academic content and address each of the remaining questions in subsequent posts. In those cases, try using realia, such as pictures from newspapers or magazines. Can a teacher talk about her faith with her students? “I tell them what I believe in,” says teacher Kirk H. “I see it as a personal fact, and therefore okay. Much of the world's great art involves religious themes and imagery. For Educators. Their display could marginalize non-Christian and non-Jewish students and be counter-productive to the positive school climate we work to establish. The development and use of these presidential guidelines were not and are not. This page includes materials relating to the the religious speech rights of students. What Does the First Amendment Say About Displaying Religious Symbols? We know the courts have interpreted the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to mean that public schools cannot promote religious or antireligious beliefs, yet we know that teachers can teach about religion as long as (a) the content is tied to academic objectives and (b) teachers do not attempt to indoctrinate students to a certain religious belief or nonbelief. In this case, that balance could be achieved by clearly labeling the work as student art, communicating that the contents of the display are not the views of the school while honoring the religious identity of the student. In our increasingly diverse and multicultural society, it’s more important than ever for teachers to incorporate culturally responsive instruction in the classroom -- whether teaching elementary school, middle school or high school students. Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. The first webinar in the series, What’s law got to do with it? Would you like to print the images in this article? A Hanukkah menorah has also been determined to be a secular symbol and does not violate the Establishment Clause when displayed temporarily. It’s when teachers try to give their opinions or influence others that it’s not okay. In this case, that balance could be achieved by clearly labeling the work as student art, communicating that the contents of the display are not the views of the school while honoring the religious identity of the student. Students can: Wear shirts, pants, necklaces, bracelets, and other articles of clothing that display a religious symbol (i.e., cross) or religious message (including a Bible verse) as long as they meet the school’s dress code. Yes, the teacher can display the students act work, however; it will have to be taken down when the lesson is over. Because teachers are considered agents of the state, they may not attempt to convert students in religious matters. Schools can place some restrictions on what students can wear, but they can't single out religious clothing. 1. I teach in a public school that’s about 70% Jewish, by the way, and being Christian puts me in the far minority.” Keeping Christ in America’s Public Schools, Seminole: Christian Law Association. For example, does displaying student artwork that includes a religious symbol in a common area of the school violate the Establishment Clause? RE : Religious Education Display. Even so, public schools should exercise caution in choosing to put out these symbols. It is likely that many courts would allow a school to prohibit teachers’ religious garb in order to maintain religious neutrality. If you don't have an account. There are several ways in which children can be involved. What about answering a student’s questions about faith or the Bible? Can a teacher wear religious garb to school, provided the teacher does not proselytize to the students? Educators can’t display religious symbols in public schools, but that does not mean religious symbols can never appear in the classroom. Although early in the school year, the teacher might do much of the display planning and caretaking, as the year progresses, students can take an increasingly active role in displaying their work. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution can be interpreted in this case, and help further address whether there would be an issue in displaying this student’s work because of the religious concern. The teacher may ask the students to report their own scores. Many educators struggle with this question, afraid of tripping over the lines that protect our freedom of religion and separate church and state. Teaching Tolerance and the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding can help. If you want to get into teaching, you will need to have a minimum of two weeks' experience working in a school with children of the age you want to teach. The Thanksgiving posters are history so they should be permitted as long as they were not disruptive. Schools can: For example, does displaying student artwork that includes a religious symbol in a common area of the school violate the Establishment Clause? No. Visit the links below to see blogs on the other commonly asked questions about religion and public schools. One student, chooses Jesus as their hero, and draws a picture of the Last Supper. If a teacher assigned an art project with a Christmas theme, a student would be allowed to depict a manger scene, just as the student could draw Santa … They may, however, display religious symbols in teaching about religion, as long as they are used as teaching aids on a temporary basis as part of an academic program. With older students, you can have them predict what a chapter will be about based on the pictures from the opening page. The development and use of these presidential guidelines were not and are not. Think carefully when decorating for winter holidays. Inside this kit, you will find real, helpful facts and legal information regarding your religious rights as a student or teacher. One route is to be honest but brief about your own religious identity. The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment are often referred to as the Constitution’s “religion clauses” and—in certain scenarios—may seem to contradict each other. 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