Religion In Public Schools

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The U.S. Constitution, ratified on December 12, 1791, clearly states in the First Amendment that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This is important because with this amendment in the constitution, we can have the right to celebrate and explain the basis of our religion in public schools. Also, Article Eighteen of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948, says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” So every single human being has the freedom and the right to choose, believe in, and practice their own religion whenever and wherever they want to. This should preserve the opportunity to include religious observances in public
Then others will better understand the various religions as well. As Robert F. Kennedy said, “Ultimately, America's answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.” So our religious freedom helps our diversity grow, which increases our tolerance and understanding. And an anonymous quote from a religious tolerance website said, “Toleration isn't much. But it is the first step towards curiosity, interest, study, understanding, appreciating and finally valuing diversity.” So more freedom in small steps through allowing religious holiday celebrations in school can help us strengthen and value tolerance. Also, Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian who is the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 said, “We need to promote greater tolerance and understanding among the peoples of the world. Nothing can be more dangerous to our efforts to build peace and development than a world divided along religious, ethnic or cultural lines. In each nation, and among all nations, we must work to promote unity based on our shared humanity.” Giving the freedom to celebrate religious holidays in schools will strengthen cross-cultural understanding in our