Entry #2 : Education and Religion

The Minersville v. Gobitas over ruling in 1943 prohibits the government from making anyone salute the American flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I think it is important to remember that in 1943 the second World War was taking place. I recognize the Constitutional right of the First Ammendment, yet also find it interesting that this case was overturned while American soldiers were out risking their lives in the war. I also feel that it is important to note that the West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette case (which led to the Gobitas over ruling) was decided on June 14, 1943. Only 4 months later did "Black Thursday" occur, the worst day for the US 8th Air Force. My thoughts drift to the need for patriotism and loyalty to the US during this time, similar to now. However, the law is the law, regardless.

The article about the debate over religion in schools is interesting to me. What was important to this group was ensuring that creation was not discussed. I guess it was not very important to them that Darwin's theory has glitches and things which don't line up. The focus was on NOT teaching intelligent design and not necessarily about proving one was more correct than the other.

I'm searching for ways that these articles are related to one another. Obviously they are related to religious issues in public schools. The Jehovah's Witness students were in favor of seperating the church and state in defense of their religious beliefs, avoiding the accusitions of worshiping an idol over God by pledging their allegiance to the country. The other group wanted to ensure a seperation of church and state in order to ban religion from schools. I suppose they are alike, yet opposite. However, it does not seem that the Jehovah's Witness group was fighting to eliminate saying the pledge at school. They simply wanted the right to decide whether or not to participate.

It just occured to me that this happens today. Perhaps not always for religious reasons. I work at a very diverse school. Many of our students were born in another country or their parents were and they still pledge their loyalty to their "home" country. I just saw an 8th grader last Friday who did not stand during the National Anthem at a school assembly. (International day, oddly enough.) I wonder what his reasons are. Regardless of his reasons, I guess he has the right to choose.