Religion in Public Schools: Understanding the Challenges

How US Public Schools Became a New Religious Battleground

Recent legislative actions in Republican-governed states like Louisiana and Oklahoma have introduced religious elements into public school curricula, challenging the Constitution’s “establishment clause” and sparking nationwide debate. Louisiana now requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments, while Oklahoma mandates Bible teachings, leading to legal challenges and opposition from various school districts. These actions are part of a broader movement fueled by conservative opposition to liberal curricula and supported by a more conservative Supreme Court, which has shown willingness to reconsider limits on religious expression in public education. The debate highlights the complex intersection of religion and public education in the United States.

In a foundational democratic principle taught in every basic U.S. history course, the Constitution bars the government from endorsing an official religion or favoring one over others. However, recent actions by Republican-governed states, such as Louisiana and Oklahoma, challenge this principle by introducing religious elements into public school curricula. These moves have sparked a nationwide debate on the separation of church and state, turning religion in public schools into a new religious battleground.

The Challenge to the Establishment Clause

Two Republican-governed states, Louisiana and Oklahoma, have introduced measures that challenge the Constitution’s “establishment clause.” Louisiana now requires public schools to display the biblical Ten Commandments, while Oklahoma mandates that public schools teach the Bible. These actions aim to bring religious principles into the public education system, which courts have long interpreted as separating church and state.

Legislative Actions Across States

According to Americans United for Separation of Church and State, lawmakers in 29 states have proposed at least 91 bills promoting religion in public schools this year. This movement is driven by conservative opposition to liberal curricula, including diversity and LGBT rights, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s willingness to overturn precedent, moving American law rightward.

Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, whose office is defending the Ten Commandments law in court, explained that legislators, frustrated by a lack of discipline in schools, turned to biblical precepts to “start a conversation about order.” Governor Jeff Landry suggested that non-religious parents could simply tell their children not to look at the Ten Commandments posters, a response that has not quelled opposition.

Oklahoma’s Bible Teaching Mandate

In Oklahoma, schools are now directed to teach from the Bible, focusing on its historical context in Western society and American history, its literary significance, and its influence on the arts and music. Several school districts have refused to alter their curriculums to accommodate this policy change, highlighting the contentious nature of these mandates.

The Role of Christian Lawmakers

The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL), founded in 2020, has coordinated legislative efforts across different states. The NACL has produced model bills, including one on the Ten Commandments and another requiring schools to display “In God We Trust” signs. The influence of these model bills is evident in the actions taken by states like Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Texas as the Next Battleground

Texas could be the next major battleground, having passed a law allowing public schools to hire chaplains as counselors. The Texas board of education will decide in November whether to approve a new elementary school curriculum that includes Bible teachings. Texas lawmakers are also expected to revive bills requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in schools and allowing publicly funded vouchers for private religious school tuition.

The Conservative Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, with a 6-3 conservative majority, has taken an expansive view of religious rights in recent years. In 2022, the court ruled that a Washington state public school district violated the constitutional rights of a Christian high school football coach who was suspended for refusing to stop leading prayers with players on the field after games. This ruling abandoned a 1971 precedent and galvanized conservative Christians.

Recent Supreme Court Decisions

The court has also made it easier for religious schools and churches to receive public money and has supported religious exemptions for family-owned corporations and businesses. These decisions reflect a broader shift toward accommodating religious expression in public life.

Conclusion

The introduction of religious elements into public school curricula by Republican-governed states has turned public schools into a new religious battleground. With a conservative Supreme Court willing to reconsider longstanding limits on religious expression, the debate over the separation of church and state in public education is far from over. As legal challenges make their way through the courts, the nation will continue to grapple with the complex intersection of religion and public education.