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News and Editorials Religion and Schools schools present challenges: religion, fairness and safety The Supreme Court says it’s okay to teach about religion, just not to promote it in public school. Schools can mention their community’s religions; teachers can refer to religion in a subject. It’s impossible to creditably teach literature, history, or culture without this reference. What is NOT permissible is: teaching only specific religions, implying religion is "good" and atheism "bad", teaching religion where it doesn’t fit the subject, promoting prayer. (SVCCJ supplies guidelines for schools with a religious observance calendar.) Sikhs have suffered immense pain - even death - since 9/11, an event not remotely related to them. Is it any wonder they want their neighbors to know they present no threat? Sikhs are defined by religious practices rather than by race or geography. To speak about them entails religion. Maybe children reading speeches about their holy figure and holiday isn’t the best strategy or the only way to become better known. Our schools now recognize other religious/ethnic constituencies in positive ways. Rather than criticize, we should help the Sikhs gain the quiet recognition they seek and security they deserve in our community. Bart A. Charlow, President |
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