THE FRONT PORCH: Separation of church and state in public schools
By Dakota Baker, RealWV
Separation of church and state is always a topic of discussion, but it tends to gain more attention during election cycles. Recently, it’s also become a widespread topic in conversations about the Bible and other religious signage in public schools.
What is separation of church and state?
Separation of church and state is a First Amendment principle rooted in the Constitution. If you’ve followed political debates lately, you’ve probably noticed constitutional rights being referenced constantly, especially when it comes to free speech protections and the right to bear arms.
At its core, separation of church and state keeps government and religious institutions separate. More specifically, it prevents the government from establishing one official religion or interfering with the free practice of religion, regardless of a person’s faith.
One of the most important aspects of the separation of church and state is that it protects religious freedom by ensuring that people of all faiths, as well as those with no religious beliefs, are treated equally under the law.
What does this have to do with public schools?
Earlier this year, SB 388 proposed that public elementary and secondary schools make the Aitken Bible available to all fourth grade, eighth grade, and 10th grade social studies classrooms. The bill passed in the Senate 30-4, but died in the House.
Regardless of its failure to pass, some politicians still argued that their religious beliefs should take precedence over constitutional principles. Because public schools are government institutions, no single religion should be favored over another under the separation of church and state.
It could be argued that the goal was religious education, but if that were the case, why limit it to only one religious text instead of teaching a variety? Understanding different belief systems can offer insight into other people’s ways of life, essentially teaching empathy, respect, and deeper human connection.
If all religions cannot be treated equally in public schools, then why should one specific religion be considered for special exemption from the separation of church and state? Is there harm in keeping religious studies between parents and their children in the home?
“All religions, arts, and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling a person’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual toward freedom.” — Albert Einstein
