Separating state and religion is the duct tape that is keeping the boat of freedom of religion afloat.
The only thing that separates community schools and religious schools is the fact that one has to take part in religious ceremonies. I believe that it is crucial to make sure we are not making kids participate in one by accident.
During Focus Time, we are asked to stand for the pledge. This would be all fine and dandy but during the pledge, it says “One nation, under God” For some, this contradicts their beliefs so they do not stand.
Still, some students are told that it is disrespectful to not stand for the pledge and are forced to stand or get in trouble because of it. One person’s opinion I agree with on students standing for the pledge is history teacher, Jordan Crockett.
“I feel like it is good to be respectful of those who want to participate in the pledge so if I have a student who does not want to, I just ask them to quietly sit down,” said Crockett.
One of the great things about America is that we have such a diverse group of beliefs and people.
According to MSU Today, having separation of state and religion keeps the government from promoting one religion over the other and the same can be said for the schooling system.
“I think it is important to have a separation between state and religion so that way we can keep our classrooms a little less biased,” said Crockett.
It is important to allow students to explore their world and allow them to find what they believe in on their own and thus another important part of separating state and religion. Then again St.Timothy’s School has a good point.
According to St.Timothys, at times it can be helpful to have a guide of sorts throughout a child or teen’s younger years as it can help better their social-emotional development through pre-set values. Despite this, it should be up to the parent to teach their kids good moral values such as integrity, honesty, and respect.
In my firm opinion, I believe that the separation of state and religion is a crucial part of our rights as Americans and frankly as members of the human race.
