Today I was reading about some school related issues in Texas. While reviewing their new text books, they invited in Creationists to weigh in on what should and should not included in their school's books for the next few years. Creationism is a widely accepted idea in Texas, but it is one that centers heavily on religion and brings such into the classroom. I could never see something happening here in Ohio that was like this, though so often we hear about it in places like Texas and Oklahoma.
While there are usually very thick lines drawn between religion and school and the government; how do you guys feel about it? Personally, I think allowing ideas like Creationism to dictate one's learning is akin to living in the dark ages of our past and won't prepare the students for their future if they were to ever decide to leave the state of Texas. Would any of you ever teach in a school district where this was in effect, even if you didn't believe in it? Often I hear people say, "Well if the money's right..." but in my opinion, this is not a matter of money! If you moved and these types of schools were your only option, would you buck the system a bit? I think I certainly would. It would be far too hard not to!
Here's the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/06/creationists-textbooks-texas_n_3689154.html
I consider myself a somewhat religious person and even I am against religion in schools. I've always felt like religion, government, and schools should stay separated (although this country was built on Christianity influences).
ReplyDeleteI feel like it should be okay for one to express themselves religiously. For example, a Christian should be able to wear a cross, a Muslim should be able to wear a hijab and do their scheduled prayers, a Jewish student should be able to wear a kippah. If it's not offensive to other people and their religions, I think a student should be allowed to express themselves. However, building religion into the curriculum no longer gives the student that choice.