Hillsborough High School Research Paper

The religious landscape of the United States continually evolves as generations come and go. Without an established religion in the US, the freedom to practice what someone personally believes in is unabridged, therefore allowing the US to diversify. Religion is important in society for the reason that it is “a major force throughout the world that fuels policy and debate in government” (UC Davis). However, studies show that Americans are quite illiterate regarding religion: a majority of people answer less than half of the questions about core teachings, history, and influential figures of major world religions correctly (Liu). Lacking any background in religion corresponds to ignorance and intolerance as well, which at the school-age level can lead to bullying. A Sikh first grader has been the target of bullying because of his classmates’ unfamiliarity with his religion (Dallas). The Sikh religion forbids the cutting of one’s hair as a major tenet; however, classmates unknowingly were criticizing his religion by tormenting the first grader about the “girly” length of his hair and threatening to cut his hair while doing crafts (Dallas). The …show more content…
The only exposure that Hillsborough students receive regarding world religions is through world history courses. World history teachers provide students a background in key religions to deepen their understanding of the conflicts they study. However, outside of that, religion remains untouched as a “forbidden” subject. It comes with scary consequences if taught incorrectly, including losing one’s job. Despite this fear of teaching about religion in public schools, district supervisors and teachers are obligated to consider implementing a comparative religions class or increasing religious-centered curricula because of the opportunities such classes can provide such as broadening horizons and providing real-world