American-jewish Committee Clarifies Stand on Religion in Education

A statement clarifying the attitude of the American Jewish Committee on various aspects concerning religion in education was issued by the organization. The statement is doubtful about proposals to teach a “common core” of religion or basic theological principles. It also rejects the proposal to invite clergymen into the classroom to give religious instruction to children of their respective faiths.

The American Jewish Committee statement of views also makes clear the stand of the organization on the following issues concerning religion in education questions:

Released time: Opposed because “it threatens the independent character of the school” by providing a governmental constraint in support of religion; it is a “mechanism for divisiveness” that gives “over-zealous teachers” an opportunity to exercise “subtle sectarian pressures.”

Bible reading and prayer in the schools: In principle, these are religious acts and therefore “inappropriate for classroom or assembly.” In those communities, however, where classroom Bible reading has become traditional, efforts to end the practice may do more harm than good. But in no case should passages other than those “having universal acceptance” be read.

Use of school premises for religious purposes: School premises should be as available, after school hours, to religious groups as they are to other organizations. But using school facilities to conduct a sectarian religious affiliation census is probably unconstitutional.

Religious Holiday Observances: “This thorny patch in the school-church brambles cannot be resolved by a doctrinaire application of the separation principle,” the statement cautions. These celebrations are “embedded in tradition.” Experience proves that a dispassionate public discussion of local practices is difficult to attain. Making a public issue of such observances, therefore, “can lead to no beneficial results in the foreseeable future.” However, informal discussions with teachers may make it possible to plan events acceptable to all.

On joint holiday observances such as Christmas-Hanukah celebrations, the statement notes: Some feel that such events foster inter group understanding; others believe that they compound the violation of the separation principle. The statement does not recommend them but suggests that schools which do use them evaluate their effect on pupils.

Federal aid to the states: Favored for “tax-supported, publicly controlled elementary and secondary schools” only. Free lunches, medical and dental services, however; should be available to all children at public expense; while “fringe benefits” such as textbooks and bus transportation for non-public school children “should be considered on their merits in separate legislation.”