​Background on Religion in Schools

• ​Relates back to the First Amendment

  • ​"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"​

• ​Two Clauses

  • ​The Establishment Clause

    • ​Separation of Church and State

  • ​The Free Exercise Clause

    • ​Prevents the government from limiting religious expression

• ​Prevent one religion from becoming totally dominant

Religion in Public Schools JamBoard​ Gallery Walk

​https://jamboard.google.com/d/1W4NQ1Pge1kR3cn72BGZpVMpMlRN2KaFn4G1svZ8Vh6s/edit?usp=sharing

​Position 1: Freedoms of Religious Expression Must be Protected in Public Schools

• ​Argues there is a misinterpretation of the 1st amendment.

• ​Argues in favor of...

  • ​Prayer in schools

  • ​Religious clubs/events

  • ​Holidays that offer inclusion

• ​Historical significance mandates religious teaching

• ​Religion is a positive force

• ​Non-believers are attempting to impose their views on others.

  • ​School has become a hostile place for believers.

• ​Separation of church and state is necessary to allow equal opportunity.

• ​Students already have the ability to express religious views

• ​Believers are using classrooms to push their beliefs as opposed to scientific, health, and historical fact.

  • ​Re-establish Christianity as dominant faith

• ​Majority may force people to conform.

• ​Harmful to society

​Position 2: The Seperation of Church and State Must be Maintained in Public Schools

​This or That Debate

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