I applaud the recent decision of the Glendale school board to draft a
policy regarding religious expression in the public schools. As a teacher
and administrator in public and private schools for more than 20 years, I
have found that most parents, teachers and even administrators are
unaware of what is allowed regarding teaching about religion and student
religion expression at school. (For example, most are unaware the the
California Department of Educations History - Social Science Framework
encourages the use of Biblical stories or wisdom literature when teaching
world history or literature.)
I agree with school board member Pam Ellis when she states that past
policy has been too hands-off and has ignored the presence and importance
of religion in history, and in personal lives. Due to common
misunderstandings regarding the doctrine of separation of church and
state, many children have learned about world history devoid of religious
history and influence or have had their personal rights to private
religious expression denied.
Quoting from another California Department of Education publication:
"It might well be said that one's education is not complete without a
study of comparative religion or the history of religion and its
relationship to the advancement of civilization. It certainly may be said
that the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic
qualities" (Moral and Civic Education and Teaching About Religion,
California State Board of Education, 1988, p. 36)
I am glad that the Glendale Unified School District has joined many
other school districts in developing a balanced, reasonable and inclusive
policy regarding these important issues.
Bob Drummond
Glendale
