Religious
Issues and Schools
Introduction
Religion
in schools has been a controversial topic
for a long time. Debate centers on the important personal beliefs for
some versus a desire for complete separation of church and state for
others. Furthermore, the debate is quite complex and deals with a
number of more specific issues such as evolution, sexual education,
prayer in school, the Pledge of Allegiance and more.
This legislative session has produced several bills that deal with
these types of issues. A few (though not necessarily a comprehensive
list) are outlined below.
Bill
Information and Links
SB 736
Sponsored by Sen. Jason Crowell
Co-sponsored by Sen. John Cauthorn
This bill would allow public schools
to offer course(s) in which the Bible is instructed. The bill was
introduced to the Senate in January and passed by the Senate Education
Committee in March. It is now scheduled for full Senate consideration.
HJR 39
Sponsored by Rep. Carl Bearden
Co-sponsored
by Rep. Tom Dempsey, Rep. Jim Avery, Rep. Barney Joe Fisher, Rep. Doug Ervin, Rep. Ron Richard, Rep. Robert Schaaf, Rep. David Day, Rep. Bill Deeken, Rep. Joe Smith, Rep. Larry Wilson, Rep. David Sater, Rep. Peter Myers, Rep. Jane Cunningham, Rep. Edward Wildberger, Rep. Lanie Black, Rep. Timothy Flook, Rep. Brian Munzlinger, Rep. Don Wells, Rep. Danielle Moore, Rep. Jason Smith and Rep. Allen Icet.
This bill proposes a Missouri constitutional amendment that would guarantee a
citizen's First Amendment right to pray on public property and also to
choose to practice any or no religion. It would also require that every
school display the First Amendment in a prominent place.
The bill was introduced to the House in January and passed the House
Children and Families Committee in February. It passed in the House by
a vote of 134-19 and has now been referred to the Senate for
consideration. Since the measure is a proposed constitutional
amendment, it would require voter approval if passed by the state legislature.
Public Opinion
The debate concerning religion in schools is one that is centered on
deeply-held personal beliefs and opinions. Furthermore, these opinions
are very individual and personal, so even if an organization expresses
support or opposition to the issue, individuals within that
organization may hold opinions and beliefs of their own.
Organizations testifying in support of HJR 39 at the legislation's committee hearing included Missouri Eagle Forum, Missouri Family Network and Missouri Baptist Convention.
These supporters claim that the amendment is necessary to guarantee
individuals the right to pray in public places. They say that the First
Amendment should be displayed so that students are aware of this right.
While no opposition to this specific legislation was expressed at the hearing, groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) generally oppose these types of initiatives. Find out more at the organization's site on religious issues in schools.
What's
Happening in Other States
Religious issues
are present in other states as well as at the federal level. Most
specific to the bills above, Georgia passed legislation in March that
provides financial rewards to schools that use the Bible as a core
textbook. Alabama is also considering a bill that would require all
public schools to offer an elective course called "The Bible and its
Influence."
Helpful Links
News stories on
the proposed legislation
Columbia Daily Tribune (4-6-06)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (4-5-06)
Kansas City Star (3-12-06)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (2-4-06)
Other
Links
The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: Religion and Public Schools
A variety of essays, debate transcripts and reports on religious issues and schools.
FamilyEducation.com: A Parent's Guide to Religion in Public School
A guide to what is generally allowed and what is generally prohibited in the realm of religious expression in public schools.
Secretary of Education's 1995 Statement on Religion in Public Schools
Provides principles and guidelines for public schools in the realm of handling religious isues.
Reporting
Tips
Why this story is worth
reporting
Not only does religion in schools affect every public
school student, but students are likely to have their own opinions on
these issues. Debate on these issues is important and will probably be
hot-button with many students. Be sure to handle a story on this topic
in an objective fashion and report on the legislation itself. Avoid
letting your own personal opinions as a reporter creep into the story.
Interesting facts
Since this debate centers around personal beliefs more than objective
facts, statistics are not particularly relevant to this topic.
Who
to Interview
Interview fellow students to find out their opinions on these issues. Try to talk to students on both sides of the debate.
Talk to your school board members, administrators and/or
teachers to find out how religious issues in school are currently
handled. For example, what is your school's policy on religious
instruction? The teaching of evolution? Prayer in schools?
If time allows, interview local
community members on both sides of the debate. Parents can also provide
interesting insights on what they would prefer their children to be
exposed to at school concerning religion.
Sidebar/Infographic/Photo
Ideas
Student opinions and quotes.
School policy explanation on religious issues in school.
If your media outlet has a website, an online poll could be conducted to gather opinions on the specific bills introduced.
MoStuGov