April 17, 2000

Ground rules for religion in schools listed
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___DALLAS--Six principles provide civic ground rules for addressing the role of religion in public schools, according to representatives of the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University.
___Scholar Charles Haynes and constitutional attorney Oliver "Buzz" Thomas pointed to the consensus statement of principles during training sessions for school personnel and a town hall meeting for concerned citizens in Dallas April 6-7.
___The principles are outlined in a brochure, "Religious Liberty, Public Education and the Future of American Democracy," published by the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. The statement of principles was sponsored jointly by organizations ranging from the conservative Christian Coalition to the liberal People for the American Way.
___The six guiding principles are:
___ Religious liberty for all. "Religious liberty is an inalienable right of every person."
___ The meaning of citizenship. "Citizenship in a diverse society means living with our deepest differences and committing ourselves to work for public policies that are in the best interest of all individuals, families, communities and our nation."
___ Public schools belong to all citizens. "Public schools must model the democratic process and constitutional principles in the development of policies and curricula."
___ Religious liberty and public schools. "Public schools may not inculcate nor inhibit religion. They must be places where religion and religious conviction are treated with fairness and respect."
___ The relationship between parents and schools. "Parents are recognized as having the primary responsibility for the upbringing of their children, including education."
___ Conduct of public disputes. "Civil debate, the cornerstone of a true democracy, is vital to the success of any effort to improve and reform America's public schools."
___For more information and additional resources on religious liberty issues in public schools, contact the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at (615) 321-9588 or visit the website at www.freedomforum.org.
___

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