Religion, Individual Freedom and Education

Jessica Calefati of U.S. News and World Report wrote The Debate Heats Up to bring to light a recent court case embrangled in the role of religion in education. She discusses a recent Chicago Illinois ruling against a state law requiring public school children to observe a moment of silence. It was found that the law was a breach of separation of church and state. In this article Calefati acknowledges The American Civil Liberties Union claims that the law in question was merely "a veil for incorporating religion into public education". In reprisal Calefati asserts the idea that effort to revise state curriculum is being done to make it difficult for teachers to discuss weaknesses in Darwin's theory of evolution.

The article on the William Gobitas papers presented from the Library of Congress reviewed the courts findings in a case where two children were expelled for refusing to salute the flag and pledge their allegiance. In 1935 a U.S. District judge ruled in favor of the students right to refuse but this decision was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1940. It was ruled that the government had the authority to enforce respect for our symbol of national unity. In 1943 a similar case in West Virginia was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court and ruled that based on the First Amendment of the Constitution the government did not have the authority to enforce the saluting of the flag or pledging one's allegiance to our country. This article credits Gobitas litigious dexterity in his pursuit for his individual rights.

Reflecting on the above articles I believe Calefati conveyed a discountenance with the actions of our government regarding the role of religion in education. My position on a moment of silence is that if it is not in anyway directed to be used as a time for prayer than it is not an act of religion but an individual’s time for spiritual reflection anyway they choose. Since 1962 with the Supreme Court ruling in Engel v. Vitale, finding public school systems did not have the right to conduct prayer services it has been an on-going debate. I feel that a country made of immigrants, built by immigrants and boastfully the melting pot of the world cannot utilize a government establishment that is responsible for providing an equality education to all children to endorse a common religion. Instruction in public education should always be based in a curriculum incorporating theories and information that has been embodied by empirical and scientific research not by one religion's doctrine.

Concerns for national safety is definitely at the forefront of major issues in our country today. Since 911 the world shares the fear of terrorist attacks. Is the absence of saluting or reciting one's allegiance to a symbol of a country an act of disrespect? Does participating in an act of homage to a declared national symbol constitute idolizing a graven image? Did praising the golden calf go against the commandment? If you were an exchange student living in Germany for two years would you be comfortable saluting their flag and pledging your allegiance to their country? We have willingly opened our golden door to immigrants from hundreds of countries. Allegiance to our country might be a greater desire if it not forced by the authorities but appreciated by all.“Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” http://www.factmonster.com/