Respecting the human rights in our local community
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis - Religion Rights of Teachers in the School Environment, PPT.
1. RELIGION RIGHTS OF
TEACHERS IN THE
SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENT
William Allan Kritsonis,
PhD
2. Religion in Public Schools
Public Schools :
May not inculcate nor inhibit religion
Uphold the 1st Amendment when they
protect the religious rights of
students of all faiths or none
3. 1ST AMENDMENT
Congress shall make no law respecting
an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of speech, or
of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition
the government for a redress of
grievances.
4. How to teach about religion
Approach to religion is academic, not
devotional
Strives for student awareness of
religions, not press for student
acceptance of any religion
School sponsors study about religion,
not the practice of religion
5. TINKER V. DES MOINES ISD
The supreme court stated that free
expression is guaranteed in the public
schools where it:
Does not materially and substantially
interfere with the requirements of
appropriate discipline in the operation of
the school
Does not invade the rights of others
6. Continued…….
School may expose students to a
diversity of religious view, but may
not impose on any particular view.
School educates about all religions; it
does not promote or denigrate
religion.
School informs students about various
beliefs; it does not seek to conform
students to any particular belief.
7. IN ELEMENTARY……
THESE TOPICS MAY INVOLVE SOME
TOPICS IN DISCUSSION:
STUDY OF FAMILY
COMMUNITY
VARIOUS CULTURES
THE NATION
8. SECONDARY………
INCLUSION OF STUDY ABOUT
RELIGION:
Social studies
Art, drama, music or literature with
religious themes are permissible if it
serves a sound educational goal in
curriculum
9. CLASSROOM RESOURCES FOR
TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION
Finding Common Ground: A First
Amendment Guide to Religion and
Public Education
RELIGION IN AMERICAN LIFE by
leading scholars for young readers
On common ground: World Religions
in America
10. In summary,
The law guarantees students'
fundamental religious freedoms while
requiring the school to maintain a
religiously neutral environment.