Teaching Religion in Schools
Teaching religion in public schools is a very controversial topic. Many parents do not want religion taught in school because they do not want their kids to be exposed to opposing religions. Also, teaching religion in public schools may be against the first amendment, which states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." which is commonly known as the separation of church and state. This means that the government, governmental institutions, and representatives of such institutions (i.e. teachers) cannot promote one type of religion over another, promote a religious life over an atheistic life, or on the flipside: promote an atheistic life over a religious life. Some people even interpret this as not allowing the school to do any religious-related activities whatsoever. This, however, may be countered by the same amendment -- freedom of speech may counter the separation of church and state in few and certain situations. However, private schools can teach whatever legal things they want, including religion.
However, many people believe these laws should change. This is advocated by many religious groups. Many people believe that teaching religion in public schools would help promote good moral beliefs. This has been proven based on the amount of social problems and breakings of school rules within the religious private schools -- the religious schools scored much better, and the students appeared to be more moral and behave better. In the United Kingdom the school curricula includes studying of the different religions. This religious curriculum is similar to what is taught in Unitarian Universalist Societies -- a type of Christian religion.
Furthermore, students are not counted under the separation of church and state. As a student, you may preach your religion to others and try to put your religion above other religions as long as it does not border on harassment. If a student's preaching could be viewed as harassment, the facilitators of the school (teachers, subs, principal...) can stop the "preaching". Also, teachers may teach morals and values held by religions as long as they do not specifically endorse the religion that holds that belief.
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