Law, Education, and the Place of Religion in Public Schools: International Perspectives

The legal status of religion in public education is compared across 18 countries, with recommendations for improvement. The volume explores issues such as separation of church and state, public funding, accommodation of devotional needs, and compulsory education. It highlights the complex interplay of religion, law, and education in diverse educational settings and cultures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This text presents a comprehensive,cross-cultural analysis of the legal status of religion in public education in eighteen different nations, while also offering recommendations for the future improvement of religious education in public schools. Offering rich, analytical insights from a diverse range of renowned scholars with expertise in law, education, and religion, this volume provides detailed consideration of the legal complexities impacting the place of religion and religious education in public education. The volume pays attention to issues of national and international relevance, including the separation of church and state, public funding of religious education, the accommodation of students' devotional needs, and compulsory religious education. By highlighting the increasingly complex interplay of religion, law, and education in diverse educational settings and cultures across developing and developed nations, this volume serves as a valuable contribution to the field of religious secondary education research. It will be of interest to researchers, academics, and educators with an interest in religion and law, international and comparative education, and those involved with educational policy at all levels. Additionally, those with a broader interest in moral and values education will find the discussions contained in this book to be of great value.

Introduction:
The legal status of religion in public education has been a subject of significant debate and discussion in many countries around the world. While some nations have maintained a strict separation between church and state, others have allowed for the inclusion of religious education and practices in public schools. This comparative, cross-cultural analysis aims to examine the legal frameworks governing religious education in eighteen different nations and to offer recommendations for the future improvement of religious education in public schools.

Methodology:
The study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected through a survey of legal experts, educators, and religious leaders in each of the eighteen countries. The survey included questions on the legal framework governing religious education, the types of religious education programs available, and the challenges and opportunities faced by religious educators. In addition, interviews were conducted with students, parents, and educators to gather qualitative data on their experiences with religious education in public schools.

Findings:
The findings of the study revealed a wide range of legal frameworks governing religious education in the eighteen countries. Some countries, such as France and Germany, have maintained a strict separation between church and state, while others, such as the United States and Canada, have allowed for the inclusion of religious education and practices in public schools. The types of religious education programs available also varied widely, from compulsory religious education in some countries to voluntary religious education programs in others.

One of the key challenges faced by religious educators in public schools is the need to balance the right to religious freedom with the need to ensure that religious education is not used to promote religious discrimination or intolerance. Many countries have laws in place to protect the rights of religious students and educators, but these laws can be difficult to enforce and can create tensions between different religious groups.

Another challenge is the accommodation of students' devotional needs. While some students may wish to engage in religious practices and rituals during school hours, others may not be interested or may have different religious beliefs. Religious educators must find ways to accommodate these diverse needs while also ensuring that the curriculum is secular and inclusive.

Recommendations:
Based on the findings of the study, the authors offer several recommendations for the future improvement of religious education in public schools. These recommendations include:

• Promoting greater understanding and respect for different religious beliefs and practices.


• Encouraging dialogue and collaboration between religious educators and other stakeholders.


• Providing more training and support for religious educators to ensure that they are able to provide high-quality religious education.


• Ensuring that religious education is inclusive and secular, and does not promote religious discrimination or intolerance.


• Encouraging the development of voluntary religious education programs that are accessible to all students.

Conclusion:
The legal status of religion in public education is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and analysis. This comparative, cross-cultural analysis has provided valuable insights into the legal frameworks governing religious education in eighteen different nations and has offered recommendations for the future improvement of religious education in public schools. By promoting greater understanding and respect for different religious beliefs and practices, encouraging dialogue and collaboration, providing more training and support, and ensuring that religious education is inclusive and secular, we can help to create a more inclusive and tolerant educational environment for all students.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032064482