Debate Topics

Educating a child is a process that involves teamwork between the teacher, parent and child. Adding to this mix is the extent to which the government is involved in the education process and issues of religious freedom. The government decides the outline of the curriculum that is taught. The mediocrity of today’s school system is the result of political compromise and bureaucratic structuring. The roots of the problems are never addressed or solved.

Moving the public school system beyond religious control has had many positive results. Children are accepted for who they are and not what they believe in. The disadvantages, though, come from trying to mold all children the same way. The opinions of the dominant group rule, and individualism is discouraged. The fact that religion has shaped minds and history is ignored. Promoting a more fundamental system approved by the government has two main faults. First, public monies may end up in the hands of religious schools, a violation of the first amendment. Second, critics feel that many private schools promote segregation, racism and the exclusion of needy students. Allowing public monies for fundamental education would allow anyone to choose his or her school; however, that still bumps up against the first amendment.

The separation of church and state causes many differing opinions, and it creates a situation that is almost impossible to solve. Ideas and boundaries promoted by religion could help the school system. Government makes sure all the citizens have an opportunity. A more sophisticated proposal on the roles of government, parents, religion and education needs to happen to get beyond these issues and find a workable solution.