Religion in public schools has always been a sensitive subject. Many believe that, because it is so sensitive, that it shouldn't be talked about. Though many do not realize it, religion actually does play a part in our education, and our society. This topic interest me because the issue of religion in public schools is an ongoing issues in almost all parts of the world, especially the United States. Even though religion is not officially banned from being talked about in the public school system, most people treat it as if it is. The world, including the United States, is continually becoming more and more diverse. In order to develop into a human being that respects others beliefs, one should have a proper education on it. Being a Christian, I do believe that religion should be discussed in public schools. I do not want this so people can push their beliefs onto others, but because I believe, in order to fully understand our developing society, students should be educated on this topic.

I attended public schools growing up. Keep in mind that these were small, public schools in the south. At my school, we had a fairly religious student body and staff. We were able to have prayers at pep rallies, and before sporting events. It never seemed to have caused any problems for our school. No one ever seemed to feel as if they were being forced into anything. I can understand how it could cause problems, but I still believe religion is a topic that students should be educated on. It should not be strictly prohibited from public schools, but it also should not be forced on anyone. This is a topic that I am very passionate about. After doing a lot of research, and reading several articles on the topic, I still believe that religion should be discussed in public schools.

"Religion in the Public Schools: Background- Religious Liberty in America & Our Public Schools" is an informative article on my topic. This article's primary focus is solely religion in public schools. It is able to address this issue in terms of the constitution, laws, and various court cases. These court cases are all cases that deal with religion in public schools. The cases described, and their outcomes are provided in the text. Evidence from the constitution is also provided in the text. The article analyzes what "freedom of religion" in the first amendment really means. It also analyzes is the Establishment Clause, commonly known as "Separation of Church and State," providing two different approaches to religion in public schools. Though the specific author is not named on "Religion in the Public Schools: Background- Religious Liberty in America & Our Public Schools," the Anti-Defamation League created the article. The ADL was founded in an attempt to prevent hate, defamation of Jewish people, and anti-Semitism. The ADL works to stop hatred in society, and protect the rights and liberties of all people. This article is unbiased, and it is informative. It strictly states facts straight from the constitution and laws regarding religion in public schools, and other related topics. It also addresses various court cases relating to religion in public schools, and provides their outcomes.

"Should World Religion be Taught in Public Schools?" is a biased article. In this article, Laycock, the author and former high school teacher, argues for having religion in the classroom. He provides reasons as to why students should be educated on the topic, and he also explains why this can be a major benefit to society. Laycock provides court cases for the reader to examine, and breaks each one down. Laycock explains common misconceptions about religion in public schools that he witnessed first-hand as a high school teacher. Joseph Laycock is employed at Texas State University as an assistant professor in the department of religious studies. He has written several books, and is a blogger for Religion Dispatches. In this article, he states that before he worked for TSU, he was a high school teacher, actually witnessing the issues with religion in schools first-hand. Laycock argues against prohibiting religion in schools. He believes students should have an education on religion in the classroom in order to fully understand many aspects of their education, and society.

"Religion And The Increasing Impact On America's Schools: How Religion Impacts Society And Schools In Post 9-11 America" is a biased article, but it also fully provides both sides of the argument. This article discusses the many difficulties with religion in the schools system, but it also discusses why it is necessary for students to be cultured on the topic. This essay was written in context to the post-9/11 attacks on the United States. Since society is constantly budding with diversity, the students need to be taught about the diversity, including religion. In order to become a respectful human being in society, one needs to be educated on the aspects of diversity. The author of is article is Kathleen K. Kreamelmeyer, the Assistant Professor of Education at Ball State University. With this occupation, one can be assured that she is very informed on educational issues, including religion in public schools. Kreamelmeyer outlines both sides of the argument, but she mainly discusses why students should be educated on the topic of religion.

My research question is arguable because both sides of the argument have valid points. Even though I agree more with having religion be a part of education in the public school system, I can see where issues may arise. Religion in public schools is a large issue in America, and it is also an issue that no one wants to discuss. Most of the sources I have found have had the same opinion that I believe: to be able to discuss religion in public schools. Some advocate for it because religion is what America was founded on, and others support it because an education on religion is needed to fully understand our diverse society. I agree with both of these instances, especially the latter. Many aspects of our education require some knowledge of religion, and religion also impacts our society. In order to fully respect someone, you need to be able to also respect their background.
