Evan

My friend Evan wrote this on FB. I asked his permission to republish it. It’s worth a read during this holiday season … As a Jewish student in elementary school, I recall vivid memories of daily prayers at the beginning of class. These prayers, all Christian in nature, were part of a routine that most of my peers participated in without question. 

However, as a child of Jewish faith, I often found myself in a state of discomfort, feeling I did not belong in that shared moment of worship. My experience was not limited to school. When I joined a local scouting group, I was initially excited to be a part of an inclusive community. But again, I was met with a heavy Christian influence. The focus on religious practices—such as prayer before meals, Bible readings, and references to Christian values—reinforced my sense of exclusion. As someone who valued my Jewish faith, I felt marginalized, as though my beliefs and identity were neither understood nor welcomed.

This experience illustrates a broader issue many people face when their religious identity differs from the majority of those around them. Faith is undeniably important to many individuals and communities, but as our society becomes increasingly diverse, it becomes essential to be mindful of how religious practices, especially in public institutions, can affect those who do not share the same faith. The framers of the U.S. Constitution recognized this challenge and sought to create a legal framework that would protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs.

The U.S. Constitution, specifically the First Amendment, is foundational in ensuring religious freedom and promoting inclusivity. The First Amendment reads:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

 This clause is made up of two parts: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause prevents the government from endorsing or promoting any particular religion. It forbids public institutions, such as schools or government-run organizations, from imposing religious practices on students or citizens. 

 The Free Exercise Clause, on the other hand, guarantees individuals the right to practice their faith freely, without interference from the state. Together, these clauses were designed to create a balance—allowing for religious expression while also ensuring no religion is imposed on anyone, particularly in public spaces where people of many different faiths (or no faith at all) must coexist.

 In the context of public schools or scouting programs, the presence of religious practices, such as Christian prayers, may seem like an innocuous tradition to those who share that faith. However, for students like me, whose beliefs differ, this can create a feeling of alienation and exclusion. This was not only an emotional experience but a legal issue as well, as the Establishment Clause prohibits the government from favoring one religion over another in public spaces. The imposition of Christian prayer in public schools, for example, has long been a source of legal and ethical debate. Landmark cases like Engel v. Vitale (1962), in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled state-sponsored prayer in public schools violated the Establishment Clause, underscore the importance of maintaining a clear separation between religion and public education.

 A modern example of the tension between religion and public education can be seen in the case of Ryan Walters, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Oklahoma. Walters has made headlines for his push to incorporate more religious and conservative values into the state’s public education system. In 2022, he publicly stated, “public schools must teach the Bible” and students should be exposed to Christian values as part of their education. This call for the inclusion of religious teachings in public schools raises significant concerns about the violation of the Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from promoting any specific religion.

 In response to Walters’ statements, many critics argue that his approach could alienate students from minority religions or those without any religious affiliation, much like my own experience in school. For instance, an emphasis on the Bible and Christian values in a public education system could marginalize students who practice Judaism, Islam, or other faiths, as well as those who are secular. Just as I felt excluded as a Jewish student in a Christian-centered environment, students today in Oklahoma might experience similar alienation if their religious identity is not respected or recognized in the curriculum.

 The controversy surrounding Walters highlights an ongoing struggle within public education: balancing respect for religious freedom with the need for inclusivity. While Walters and others may argue that incorporating Christian teachings can help instill moral values and promote a sense of community, the imposition of religious content in public schools challenges the constitutional principle of religious neutrality. The framers of the Constitution intended for public institutions to remain neutral on matters of religion, to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their faith.

 While the First Amendment provides legal protection against religious imposition, it also creates space for individuals to freely exercise their religion. However, this freedom should be balanced with an understanding of how public spaces and institutions can create environments of respect and inclusivity for people of all religious backgrounds. For instance, public schools can allow students to pray individually or in groups as long as it does not disrupt the educational process, but they must not mandate prayer or impose religious rituals on students.

 In organizations like scouting, which often have religious components, there should be a conscious effort to ensure activities and discussions are inclusive and open to members of all faiths. For example, instead of requiring prayer before meetings or events, scouting groups could offer moments of reflection or meditation that allow individuals to connect spiritually in a way that is meaningful to them. This type of accommodation not only respects religious diversity but also fosters a sense of belonging for everyone involved.

 Faith plays an integral role in the lives of many people, but it is crucial to understand individuals come from diverse religious backgrounds—or no religious background at all. As our society becomes increasingly pluralistic, it is important for public institutions, such as schools and community organizations, to navigate these differences thoughtfully. While the Constitution safeguards religious freedom, it is our responsibility to ensure that the spaces we occupy are inclusive and welcoming to people of all faiths.

 By fostering environments that respect and accommodate different religious beliefs, we can build communities where everyone feels valued, regardless of their faith tradition. My personal experience of exclusion highlights the need for continued awareness and sensitivity toward religious diversity. 

 The framers of the Constitution foresaw this need for balance, and it remains as relevant today as it was when the document was written. Their vision of a nation that respects the free exercise of religion—while preventing any one religion from dominating—offers a guiding principle that can help create a more inclusive, equitable society for all.

Addendum:

• This year, with Hanukkah beginning at sundown on Wednesday, December 25th (yes, Christmas Day), it seemed particularly worth sharing this blog. Hanukkah will continue through Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.
• Evan Braff may start a blog of his own in the future. Keep your eyes posted, and I’ll try and mention it, once he gets it going.