Religion in School

Educational Issues Lesson by:

Mark, Matt, and Brendan

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

Thoughts?
Anyone grow up saying Lords Prayer in school?
How did you feel saying the Lords prayer?
Comfortable or Uncomfortable?
How do you think children would feel?
Any other thoughts?

History of religion in Canadian schools

Colonizers from europe was predominantly Christian.

The Bible was used as a teaching tool.
Ten commandments and Christian values were implemented into societal laws and school rules.
Public schools slowly disallow or remove religious (Christian) content.
Private and separate school boards are created.
Residential schools.

Current religious policy in schools

The Province of Alberta Act:

Education programs and instructional materials must not promote or foster doctrines of religion or promote persecution.
A student is excused from attending school on a day which school is on a religious holiday of which they belong.
schools must promote equality and non-discrimination.
A charter school must not be affiliated with a religious faith or denomination.
A board may prescribe religious instruction to be offered to its students. And prescribe religious exercises for its students.
If the teacher receives written request from parent, the student may be excused from religious discussions.

Charter of Rights and freedoms in canada

supports the freedom of an individual or
community, in public or private, to manifest
religion or belief in teaching, practice,
worship, and observance.
Fundamental human right in Canada
One of the things that make Canada GREAT!

Stats on Religions in alberta

60% of Albertans identify as Christians
Baptists, Roman Catholic, LDS, United, Mennonite, Anglican, etc.
32% identify with no religion
3.2% of population are Muslim
0.5% are Hindus
with so many more...

pros
Pros of religion in schools:
fosters good value
teach good life skills
creates sense of community or bond
exercise religious freedom
inspires harmony
It could give meaning to student
that is struggling

Pros of no religion in schools:

acceptance of multiple viewpoints
no discrimination of religious
element, gender identity or
different views
teach fact/ science without a
element of faith or questioning.
bases it on fact rather than faith.

cons
Cons of religion in schools:
Christian based religion, one ideology
excludes students
children that are not religious are looked down upon.
contradicts school topics like Evolution, dinosaurs
thin line of teaching and preaching
Can foster negative views toward people of different
beliefs- Gender identity, religion
So many more religious views in canada (immigration)

Cons of no religion is schools:

sense of community dwindles
sense of discipline not as
strong.

Neil degrasse tyson

Four Corners
Corners Labeled-Strongly Agree, Agree,
strongly Disagree, Disagree
Go to the Corner that best represents your
thoughts and feelings
Discuss with the other people in your
corner why
Open it up to class discussion

Statement #1

The Lords Prayer belongs in schools

Statement #2

No Religions have a place in Schools

Statement #3

having Religion in schools offends me

Statement #4

Religions are important institutions in our

communities

Statement #5

There should be a non denominational prayer room

in public Schools

Statement #6

i dont have any problems with the current religious

policies in schools

statement #7

i would allow my child to be taught about another

religion at school

Conclusion
Some factors to be considered when these issues arise include:
No religious indoctrination/coercion.
accommodate religious practices/beliefs without endorsing or favoring some over others.
Schools promote a variety of societal goals, including tolerance and respect, equality, and the
prevention of discrimination.
Respect for the rights of the child and the rights that students have to participate in their own
education.

There is no wrong or right

answer, but its all about
inclusion and acceptance!

Questions?

THANK YOU!

references

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/

Religion in schools pros and cons. Asia-Pacific economic blogs. 2014 Retrieved March 8, 2016, from
//apecsec.org/religion-in-schools-pros-and-cons/

http:

Hungerman, D. The Effect of Education on Religion. Evidence from Compulsory Schooling Laws. 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2016,
from https://www3.nd.edu/~dhungerm/ed_relig.pdf
Religion in public schools. British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. 1964. Retrieved March 8, 2016, from
https://bccla.org/our_work/religion-in-public-schools/
School Act. Province of Alberta. 2015. Retrieved March 8, 2016, from http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/s03.pdf
Statistics Canada. Population by Religion in Provinces and Territories. 2001. Retrieved March 8, 2016, from
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/demo30c-eng.htm
Zwibel, C. Faith in Public School System. Ontario Human Rights Commision. 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2016, from
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/creed-freedom-religion-and-human-rights-special-issue-diversity-magazine-volume-93-summer-2012/
faith-public-school-system-principles-reconciliation
Paoletti, Eric. Neal Dergass Tyson On Religion Taught in Schools. Youtube. Google.com. July 19, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2016, from