In Webster Parish, Louisiana, Kaylee Cole walks into public school each morning where students and faculty recite not only The Pledge of Allegiance, but also The Lord's Prayer. Cole is an agnostic, someone who is undecided when it comes to God's existence, so everyday after The Pledge of Allegiance she sits. She doesn't take part in The Lord's Prayer because she believes religion shouldn't be taught in school. Other students look down on her for sitting, and one has even mentioned the Devil being inside her. A science teacher at the school stated that evolution is a fairy tale, students should be taught Adam and Eve, not the big bang. One January morning, Kaylee walked into school and after The Pledge there wasn't prayer. This came after Kaylee and her mother filed a lawsuit alleging that there's a systematic promotion of religion at Webster Parish Schools in violation of The Constitution. Students have responded in different ways to not being able to say The Lord's Prayer anymore, some still recite it while others choose to take a moment of silence.
1. How do you feel about religion being taught in schools?
I understand religion being taught in Catholic Schools or other schools that students and parents know religion will be taught at. It's a personal and family decision what school a child should attend, so there should be religious options. Public schools aren't allowed to teach relgion and that's that.
2. What do you know about the laws that are related to teaching religion in schools?
Laws state that religion can be taught in schools, but not public schools.
3. What do you think about teachers being able to display holiday decorations that could have a religious symbolism, such as Christmas trees, in their classrooms?
I have mixed thoughts about this subject because Christmas trees do symbolize a religious subject, but they can also symbolize winter. Over the years names of concerts have had to change. For example, Christmas concerts are now known as Winter concerts. Religion in schools and what is and isn't religion is a touchy subject and everyone has different opinions about it.
Replies
Great topic choice and well done!
1. I feel that religion should only be taught in church or catholic schools. Not regular schools.
2. Laws state that religion could be taught in private schools. Not in any public school
3. I think it is completley fine. People should not get offended over something that small. Christmas trees are mostly justfor the winter/christmas kind of vibe.
I don't think teachers should be allowed to teach religion in a public school maybe if it is in a private school and everyone says its ok to have it and they feel comfortable about the religion teaching.
I don't think the teachers should teach kids to be one, but to chose one. There are many different idea's on religion. But, if they teach about the big bang theory, why not christianity or anything.
I do beleive that religion should be kept out of public schools to prevent controversey and possible problems throughout the school. I know that laws state school and religion should be kept separate unless it is a christian school or something like that.
I think religon should be left from being taught in school just beause it can cause many problems, such as fights and such. I dont know the laws very well. I think decorations for holidays because it makes the room fun and joyful when you walk in.
Its not that bad being taught about religion in schools because you are just learning more about your religion and your god. I think this might fit well in private schools than in public schools. But there is always one of those person that gets offend about and make a big deal out of it.
I wouldn't mind religion being taught in schools, but that should be something only private schools should do, and students should definitely not be looked down upon if they don't want to participate in the religious activities. Religion isn't supposed to be taught in school anyway according to the law separating church and state. There is nothing wrong with Christmas trees and other decorations for holidays, they are more festive than religious.
I feel that religion should not be taught in public schools but I'm fine with them being taught in private schools. I feel like suing the school is a bit too much. I feel like its fine that teachers display holiday decorations. The thing that I can't figure out is, how can you be so offended by everything. Like just stop trying to ruin things for everyone.
What other options do you think might have brought the change that Cole wanted, since suing the school seemed like a bit much? I think that personal opinions and preferences are getting in the way of our society as well because everything seems to be turning into the "my way or the highway" kind of thing. People can have their own opinions, but they shouldn't be rude about them.
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