Religion in the Curriculum

General Rule: Public schools may not teach religion, although teaching about religion in a secular context is permitted. School District of Abington Township, Pa. v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963).

1 What distinguishes "teaching religion" from "teaching about religion"?

Religion may be presented as part of a secular educational program. Programs that "teach about religion" are geared toward teaching students about the role of religion in the historical, cultural, economic and social development of the United States and other nations. These programs should instill understanding, tolerance and respect for a pluralistic society. Religion must be discussed in a neutral, objective, balanced and factual manner. Such programs should educate students about the principle of religious liberty as one of the fundamental elements of freedom and democracy in the United States.

"Teaching religion" amounts to religious indoctrination and practice and is clearly prohibited in public schools. A public school curriculum may not be devotional or doctrinal. Nor may it have the effect of promoting or inhibiting religion. A teacher must not promote or denigrate any particular religion, religion in general, or lack of religious belief. A teacher must not interject personal views or advocate those of certain students. Teachers must be extremely sensitive to respect, and not interfere with, a student's religious beliefs and practices. Students must not be encouraged to accept or conform to specific religious beliefs or practices.

A program intended to teach religion, disguised as teaching about religion, will be found unconstitutional. Gibson v. Lee County School Board, 1 F.Supp.2d 1426 (M.D. Florida 1998).

2 May schools teach the Bible as literature?

Yes. The Bible may be studied as literature, but not as religious doctrine. The lesson...