Religion In School

The involvement of religion in school is a necessity. School officials believe religion is something that is to be kept out of school. Religion in schools will only make school environments for both; the students and the teachers. The freedom and ability of students to openly express their selves at school will make the students want to actually come to school. Teachers and school officials want students to enjoy their time at school, but the teachers do nothing to prove that the student’s comfort is of their interest. To some, religion is a very important aspect of life. If a student gets into trouble for wearing a shirt with a cross on it because it offends someone, how is okay for a kid to wear a t-shirt full of cartoon characters that could …show more content…
Haley, a young fifteen year old girl; from the small town of Louisburg, grew up in schools that prohibited religion involvement at or on school grounds. Allowing students to be able to share and freely talk about their religion at school can help change many of the students for the better. Teachers are allowed to teach children about the cold, known facts of Hitler’s reign, for example, yet students are not allowed to rightfully discuss their religion with the whole class. There are many teenagers out there who have had their entire lives turned around, like Haley, since they have started practicing religious beliefs. Haley never had the ability to learn about God. She spent most of her days ditching school, hanging out a new guy’s home every week and doing drugs – any kind that she could get her hands on. Haley was rebellious, she wanted to destroy and make everyone else’s lives miserable because hers was that way. One day her friend, Michelle, asked her if she knew about God. Haley’s response was a simple “no.” Michelle filled Haley’s head with all she could share about God. Haley, then, yearned to learn more about God. Haley’s whole demeanor changed. Haley tried to seek forgiveness and wanted to try to help repair the lives of those she had hurt in the past. With more students sharing what it is they know about religion, they could help shape the lives of their fellow …show more content…
Throughout her life, Haley learned that people are only open to their own thoughts and ideas. With religious involvement at a young age, children will learn that others do not have to agree with their ideas, and disagreement does not mean their ideas are wrong. When Haley would tell people who have other religious beliefs about her ideas, they always would seem to bump heads. Since Haley realized there was no right religion, Haley would share what she knew about God; and then she would go on about her day. Soon her peers at school started noticing how Haley would confidently and openly discuss her beliefs, regardless of the potential consequences. Haley enjoyed coming to school because she saw that she opened her fellow students’ eyes up to see that even if their peers or parents are Catholic, they can chose to be Christian, Buddhist or Atheist if they choose to be. Haley’s parents were Atheists, so they refused to teach her about a God they did not believe in. Through her friends, Haley was able to gain knowledge about God. She would never have gotten this information outside of school. Students can teach their peers who may not be able to learn about religion that they are interested in. School will not praise one religion over the other. Just because Michelle was Christian, does not mean that Haley could not chose to follow Muslim practices. Religion will give students the true freedom of expression.