Separation of church and state is an important legal doctrine that keeps government institutions like public schools separate from religious institutions. It affects both educators, who cannot promote their religious beliefs to students or staff, and students, who cannot practice religion during school hours. While it influences culture and values, it is meant to keep the focus on education over religion. Schools address this through policies following the Lemon Test, which prohibits practices that lack secular purpose, promote or inhibit religion, or excessively involve government with religion.
This slide presentation has an overview of the ideas surrounding current and past issues with the separation of Church and State in our educational systems. It is an issue that has effected many within the educational system and every educator should be informed of their rights as well as their students.
Why is it important? It is important to know what separation of church and state means since everyone at some time is going to come about an issue pertaining to these issues. Some key points I am going to address during my PowerPoint presentation are what this term “separation of church and state” means. Why it is good to understand your rights under this term. How it has effected the educational system and the experience of students and teachers. How it is being addresses, not only within schools, but also outside with families and communities. What the future out look on these regulations are and how they may change. Also I will discuss legislative views on this issue.
What does it mean? Separation of church and state is a legal doctrine pertaining to the idea of government ran institutions being kept separate and independent from religious institutions. This means that the ideas and practices can not be done or talked about.
Who does it effect? Educators are effected by these rules since they are unable to express their beliefs to anyone. Not even co-workers. It can be offensive to those that do not believe the same. It can also be confusing to others who do not have the same outlooks. Prayer is not allowed along with some relics. These include crosses worn as jewelry as well as symbols of holidays that are associated with a religious history. These rules and regulations are the same for students as well.
The real question is how does it effect the education of the students. Keeping religion and the idea of religion out of the schools is not really effecting the fundamental ideas of learning. The only time these issues come into play are with personal preferences. Like saying a prayer before you eat. Even having designated times of reflection. These are cultural ideals that many families like the ingrain in there children at a young age. When they enter a classroom they don’t know any better then what to do when they are suppose to according to their family dynamics. Staying focused on education is what is important in many school systems and that is what many want addressed during the time they spend away from home.
Within school districts it is seen by that city as the states decision as to what procedures and rules are to be addressed within the schools. Many states have agreed to the separation of government and religious outlooks. It is the select unfunded schools that practice the education of religion as well as the private and religious based institutions. Depending on the state and district many communities and members of that school are not allowed to attend religious based meetings on school property. Such events can not even be held on the grounds. It is up to that state and cities rulings to decide what is appropriate.
What is considered appropriate in the act of something being considered inspiration of church and state? Based on three fundamental acts this unconstitutional act can be addressed. They are called the Lemon test. Due to a 1971 case of Lemon-vs..- Kurtzman, the court will rule the practice inappropriate if it first; lacks any secular purpose. That is, if the practice lacks any non-religious purpose. The second is if the practice either promotes or inhibits religion. Lastly the final test is if the practice excessively involves the government with the religion or the religious act.
To summarize what we have learned. Separation of church and state effects student, teachers, as well as the whole community. It is an issue that is important to be informed of. It can effect the dynamics of the school but not the process of learning. Unless you are part of a religious based school or a un funded non-governmental school. The lack of religious education does not effect many students. It is a constitutional issued act and can have consequences if violated. This is why there are guild lines to follow. These are called the Lemon Test. Thank you for your time and be aware of the facts.
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