The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Bernard
The Ben Gamla Charter School, in Broward County, Florida, is slated to open in August 2007 as the nation’s first English-Hebrew charter. Some see the school as a secular, bilingual institution, but others, noting a principal who is a rabbi and the emphasis on Jewish history and tradition, see Ben Gamla as a parochial school using public funds.
Similarly, in Minnesota, the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy is a public charter school that claims to impart the values as well as the language and history of Islam. Are these schools garnering unnecessary criticism, or do they represent a blurring of boundaries between religion and government? Tell us what you think.Do religious-leaning charter schools violate the separation of church and state?
Religious-leaning charter schools
Submitted by Christian Discussion (not verified) on April 10, 2008 - 16:22.
Christianity Discussion
Here's my solution to the dilemma. The state should fund religious schools because they teach things like reading, writing, math, etc. However, we don't want to subsidize individual religious indoctrinations. So why don't we just pro-rate it? Fund the the other educational activities... just not the religious instruction? It sound good to me.
Definitely not
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2008 - 00:09.
No, religious charter schools do not violate the Separation of Church and State (SCS), or at least not what that was supposed to be. SCS is SUPPOSED to give Americans freedom OF religion, not freedom from religion. A school should not be denied public funding because it has a religious leaning.
Also, if parents know that the school has that religious leaning, it is their choice to send their child to that school or to a different one.
Personally, I am in favor of vouchers for education. I attended a private religious high school which does not receive government funding, and I think it is stupid that my parents had to pay taxes for public schools on top of the tuition for my school. That is ridiculous!
I believe that before a
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 8, 2007 - 18:13.
I believe that before a private school is opened, the group that is looking into opening the school should make sure their finances can keep the institution running. I am aware that the amount of money a group earns is not certain and their income can have a sudden drop. Still, the group should also seek other ways of acquiring the finances if their own are not adequate to keep the institution running.
Constitution and religion in schools
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 3, 2007 - 17:20.
I believe the First Amendment gives us freedom of religion -- NOT freedom from religion.
Charters
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 1, 2007 - 11:23.
Once again it's the camel's nose under the tent. The place for religious teaching is at a home or church, not a public-funded school. I would approve of mythology and beliefs class in the context of social sciences, that looked a variety of strongly held political or religious beliefs in the context of mythology, the studies of wars and religion. This seems to be an important part of a core curriculum. But using the charter school movement to fund idolatry seems suspect. Why wouldn't it be just as suspect to invest in church-based schools.
I am deeply concerned as to
Submitted by Mary (not verified) on November 1, 2007 - 09:53.
I am deeply concerned as to how religious organizations can misuse such rules and regulations. I believe the average individual is quite "naive" and does not understand the ramifications of this direction.
As I write this opinion, there are school districts currently dealing with huge issues, especially with the financial, idealogical ramifications of religious groups' impact on public education.
My sincere belief is that this is a "pandora's box" with consequences that will deeply wound our public schools and public education.
Book about Religious Charter Schools
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 18, 2007 - 11:07.
There is a book about the subject. Religious Charter Schools: Legalities and Practicalities.
http://www.amazon.com/Religious-Charter-Schools-Legalities-Practicalities/dp/1593117582
Book Description
This book explores the constitutionality of religion-based charter schools. The method of analysis uses hypothetical charter schools to answer legal questions. The answers are grounded in law using the latest precedent. The background material before examining charters sets forth both the legal and policy contexts of religious charters schools. The legal context includes a detailed analysis of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution focusing on the most recent Supreme Court cases on that topic. The policy analysis examines the normative and structural dimensions of charter schools, which are then compared with voucher programs. The historical, political and educational contexts of charter programs are also examined. The book concludes that charter schools present an opportunity for parents and communities to form charter schools that will accommodate their beliefs; however, the constitution does not allow them to form schools that endorse their beliefs.
I suggest a test that will
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 4, 2007 - 08:42.
I suggest a test that will help in the understanding of why teaching religion in school is unconstitutional. Substitute instruction in the Koran, (or Apache, or Hindi, etc) for instruction in the Bible. I makes it easier to understand why it is undesirable. This does not preclude teaching "about" religion...all religions, and why and how religion has had a tremendous influence on world history. But teaching the Bible in American schools can be equated with the Madrassas, religious schools in Moslem countries.
Religion in Charter Schools
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 23, 2008 - 09:45.
You raise an excellent point, and one I have mentioned to the board of directors of a new local charter school. They are aware the school district is watching them closely, yet they are testing the law by giving students curriculum materials which read like excerpts from the Bible. What if these materials pertained to the Koran, or Buddhism?
Bush highlights New Orleans MLK
Submitted by Aaron Ward (not verified) on August 29, 2007 - 11:48.
I witnessed today President Bush taking the opportunity of a Katrina memorial to highlight MLK charter school in New Orleans. Before Bush spoke the students were required to pray and to listen to religious preaching by the school director.
This was a clear violation of church-state separation and should not be tolerated. It is inappropriate for any religious institution to receive public funds; regardless of how unbiased the decision-making process appears to be. It is even more inappropriate in the context of education in which participation is mandated and choice may be limited.
I fully support the concept of charter or voucher schools, especially as a transition to the full privatization of education. The potential for these programs to improve quality and foster innovation in education must not be compromised by religious indoctrination, and the principle of church-state separation must not be undermined in the interest of achieving short-term goals.
Post new comment