Classroom Instruction & Religion

A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in the Public Schools

Religious Literature and Music

The Bible, Koran and other religious texts may be studied or otherwise used in public schools for their literary, poetic or historical aspects, but schools cannot teach that the religious tenets of these texts are true or false. In this regard, the guidelines state: “Public schools may not provide religious instruction, but they may teach about religion, including the Bible or other scripture: the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible (or other scripture) as literature and the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries all are permissible public school subjects. Similarly, it is permissible to consider religious influences on art, music, literature and social studies.” ~ Religion’s Legal Place in the Schoolhouse, AASA

• Sacred Music in Schools

Teaching about Religion

“Public schools may not provide religious instruction, but they may teach about religion, including the Bible or other scripture: the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible (or other scripture) as literature and the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries all are permissible public school subjects. Similarly, it is permissible to consider religious influences on art, music, literature and social studies.”

Religious Holidays in the Classroom

Teachers must be careful not to cross the line between teaching about religious holidays (which is permitted) and celebrating religious holidays (which is not). Celebrating religious holidays in the form of religious worship or other practices is unconstitutional. Teaching about a holiday will be constitutional if it furthers a genuine secular program of education, is presented objectively, and does not have the effect of advancing or inhibiting religion. ~ The December Dilemma: Teaching About Religious Holidays, ADL