public schools
South African court bars schools from promoting any one religion
By Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo — June 28, 2017
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) The Organization for Religious Education and Democracy had argued that it was in the interest of South Africa's democracy that public schools not be allowed to favor a specific religion.
Should Christians abandon public schools?
By Andrea Ramirez — April 27, 2017
(RNS) There is no 'one size fits all' schooling solution for Christian parents as we guide them to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds and strength.
Mother’s fight to stop Bible class in public school resurrects a troubled history with religion
By Linda K. Wertheimer — March 24, 2017
(RNS) I hope she wins.
Indoctrination is not the real issue in public school lessons on Islam (COMMENTARY)
By Linda K. Wertheimer — January 14, 2016
(RNS) A much bigger problem is pro-Christian and anti-Muslim bias that some educators may bring into the classroom.
California first state to ban ‘Redskins’ name for public school teams, mascots
By USA Today — October 12, 2015
The measure goes into effect, Jan. 1, 2017; it affects four schools still using the "R-word." They will be allowed to phase out materials such as uniforms because of cost concerns.
Okla. attorney general wants private citizens to distribute religious literature in schools
By Greg Horton — April 16, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt wants private individuals to distribute Bibles in the public schools. Atheists and others say they want the right to distribute their literature, too.
New York City to change rules to allow churches to rent schools
By David Gibson — March 30, 2015
NEW YORK (RNS) Mayor Bill de Blasio says he supports churches renting space in public schools. Now a court decision will force him to show whether he really believes that.
Public schools can avoid ‘War on Christmas’ tussle in school holiday calendar (COMMENTARY)
By J. Brent Walker — December 4, 2014
(RNS) Refusing to identify the religious reason for the days off does not solve the problem and only invites unfounded criticism of hostility to Christmas and the other religious holidays.
As more schools ban paddling, others defend it
By Rachel Chason — July 22, 2014
(RNS) The use of corporal punishment on disobedient students -- commonly known as paddling -- will be banned this coming school year in three counties in Florida and two in North Carolina.
COMMENTARY: Power elites are waging war on the foundations of democracy
By Tom Ehrich — June 3, 2014
(RNS) This pervasive agenda isn't just about winning elections. It is about ushering in a new era of division and repression, in which American citizens fundamentally distrust and loathe each other and thus are easily manipulated.
Update: New Jersey school district will allow religious holiday songs
By Katherine Burgess — November 5, 2013
(RNS) The ban was met with opposition from the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which sent the school board a letter charging that the district lawyer who advised the ban had misunderstood federal rulings on related cases.
Parents appeal judge’s ruling allowing yoga in public schools
By Lilly Fowler — November 1, 2013
LOS ANGELES (RNS) “Our children are not religious guinea pigs and should never be subjected to such misguided religious experimentation,” said Dean Broyles, president of the National Center for Law and Policy.
Fewer home-school families cite religion as their main motivation
By Katherine Burgess — October 30, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) As home-schooling slowly becomes more mainstream, most parents cite the environment of public schools, not religious belief, as the main reason behind their decision to home-school.
Christian conservatives divided over Common Core education standards
By Katherine Burgess — October 17, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) As 45 states implement new Common Core education standards this fall, some Christians see the heavy hand of government in the state-led goal posts for K-12 students in English and mathematics.
Is yoga instruction religious? San Diego court case may decide
By Lilly Fowler — June 24, 2013
(RNS) Although experts point to a 1979 federal court case that grappled with the instruction of transcendental meditation in the public schools, no court has ruled on whether it is appropriate to teach yoga in public schools.
