Religious Expression Case Analysis and Rationale Template

Part 1: Case Analysis

1. Brief summary of the case:

Ms. Wright was prematurely told that the Bible would be used in addition to other
resources and textbooks to teach a religious studies course. She does not believe the Bible
should be included in the religious studies class.

2. Identify the issues to be resolved:

Whether or not the school will have a Religious Studies class

3. Stakeholders involved in the issues:

Parents, Board of education, Teachers, Students, Local community members

4. One or two existing laws or court rulings that relate to the issues:
School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp
Epperson v. Arkansas

5. District policies that relate to the issues:

A. Religion in the Curriculum
1. The First Amendment permits the study of the role of religion as it relates to
literature, history, culture, and the arts. Teachers may discuss religion in a
neutral and objective manner as part of a secular program of education.
Teachers may not promote or disparage a particular religion, religions in general,
or the lack of religious beliefs.
2. Teachers may provide instruction on historic, political, or literary documents
that include religious references if such documents are otherwise applicable to
and appropriate for the course being taught.
3. When scheduling outside speakers for classes and school assembly
programs, school employees will select speakers who will address topics that
align with the curriculum and who are appropriate for the age and maturity of the
students in the audience. Outside speakers may not lead students in prayer or

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 other religious observances or promote or disparage religious beliefs or lack of
religious beliefs during school classes and assemblies.

6. Possible solutions to the issues:

Advocating for the Religious Studies course
Dismissing the Religious Studies course

7. The solution you choose to resolve the issues:

I choose to advocate for the Religious Studies course.

8. Action steps (2-5) for implementing your solution, including a timeline for each step:
I would start by trying to convince the board of education to allow this course as it has
been prepared or with some reasonable modifications as they see fit. This could take all
school year or it could take a few months. I would plan for this course to start next school
year.
I would remind the board, the media, and the stakeholders (especially Ms. Wright) that as
long as the teacher does not show partiality, religion can be taught in schools according to
the board policy.

9. Potential moral and legal consequences of the solution:

We may lose some of the funding that Ms. Wright and her family have given us. There is
a possibility of getting a lawsuit from Ms. Wright. However, I believe most of the parents
who are involved in our school are on board with the idea of having this class even if it
includes using the Bible.

Part 2: Rationale

Support the case analysis with a 500-750 word rationale explaining the solution you chose and
how that solution:

 Supports the school’s vision and mission and safeguards the values of democracy, equity,
and diversity.
 Promotes social justice and ensures that individual student needs inform all aspects of
schooling.
 Promotes collaboration, trust, learning, and high expectations.

Cite the case and any other source documents as appropriate.

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 We have one of the most successful schools in Daytona. We have placed top 10 of the
best performing schools. In fact, the past 3 years we have been awarded the National
Distinguished School Award. Most of our students go to four year universities, and we are
considered a model school. Being a role model is difficult. You are in the spotlight and everyone
is trying to examine everything you do. We started collaborating with our parents to enhance our
already rigorous curriculum. In this school, we support the innovative. We applaud the daring.
We accept the challenges. We encourage new ideas. Over the last decade, I have received a lot of
support from parents, teachers, and students because I take personal responsibility for the success
of my students. I ensure that there is a quality education given to every student that walks
through our doors. I do not know who will be the next doctor, president, lawyer, or teacher to
pass through our walls, but I do know that I can contribute to the path that they have chosen.

In our school, we want to broaden the horizons of our students. When they leave our
doors and head off to college or out into the real world, they will come across various people
from all walks of life. We want to make well-rounded citizens that understand there are different
cultures, religions, and beliefs that exist beyond what they have been taught at home or have
experienced in our school. In order to achieve that, we have to inform them of the things that are
happening out there. Nobody is going to force a student to attend these classes, but anyone who
is interested in learning about different cultures and beliefs should not be hindered from doing
so.

It can be a scary situation to trust the school to not indoctrinate your children or to
promote one religion over the others, but I can assure you that my staff understands that the
person who teaches this course will do so with impartiality and with the neutrality that you
would not even know what religion they are truly behind. Our teachers are professionals. They
understand what the board policy states as well as what my expectations are. I ask that you also
trust in their professionalism. The parents are the ones who asked for the class to expand the
minds of their children. It is the least we can do after they have trusted us for so many years to
deliver a quality education to their children.

Our children will eventually encounter Muslim, Christian, Atheist, Agnostic, Catholic,
Wicca people as they go about their lives. I would much rather prepare their minds now and help
rid them of some of the bias they carry in order to make better informed decisions. Teaching this
religion course will help our students understand their fellow man better. They will not be as
shocked with something new or different crosses their path. Instead, they will be more willing to
learn or respectfully observe.

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 References

Policy Manual, Wayne County Public Schools, (2022). Retrieved September 14, 2022
boardpolicyonline.com/?b=wayne_county

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