Freedom of Religion Means the Freedom to Learn

By Rori Picker, Associate for Interfaith Relations, RFP-USA

Yesterday, Georgia's State Board of Education adopted standards for two new academic courses allowing high school students to study the history and literature of the Old and New Testaments. (see article)

Public high schools will not be required to offer the course and those who do cannot mandate their students to take the course, which will count as an English language arts elective. However, those schools who do offer the course will receive state money to pay for them.

A vote still needs to take place (likely in the spring) to add the courses to the official state course list before schools can receive funding for them.

This is a brave and bold step, but only a first step. Hopefully, this vote will pass, and hopefully, other states will follow. Freedom of religion does not mean freedom from religion and, as anyone is this country should know, to truly have freedom one should have the tools of a proper education. One can only hope that these classes will soon be joined with courses on the Quran, the Vedas, and the sacred texts of all the religions that create the pluralistic society of Americans. Perhaps then we can break down the fear and apprehension of those stereotypes created by our lack of knowledge of those around us.