Complexity and Monitoring

The Jewish community would be well-served to monitor vigorously religious curricula in public schools -- and NJDC understands that we have a major role to play here.

While there is no question that the topic of religion can -- and, in fact, ought -- be part of a "well balanced curriculum," making sure that schools teach religion in a manner sensitive to America's pluralism AND Constitution will be a challenge in future years.  This is ESPECIALLY true in light of the tendency of the far right to use public schools to promote religious views, such as intelligent design.

An article on the proper way to discuss religion in public schools shows the significant extent to which the religious right has distorted reality by claiming that God has been "expelled" from the public sphere.  Well-meaning teachers can convey historical context and explain literary references without arguing for the truth of any religious belief -- the inherent problem with intelligent design, prayer in school, and other elements of the far right agenda.

American Jews understand that they and other religious minorities can only thrive as first class citizens when our public sphere embraces pluralism -- and politicians who cheaply appeal to the majority without regard for Constitutional values of freedom harm our cause.

Comments

[The Town Crier]

Dead on!