A recent trend in instruction about religion is to link it to civic or citizenship education. The religious liberties guaranteed by the Constitution's First Amendment are part of the basic civic values of American citizenship. When we teach about the many cultures and religions of our nation and the world, we must also teach the shared civic values and responsibilities of the U.S. democratic tradition. One widely used religious liberty curriculum states that these values are so fundamental and enduring that they may be called the three R's of religious liberty. They are rights, responsibilities, and respect.
Religious liberty is a basic and inalienable right founded on the inviolable dignity of the person.
In a society as religiously diverse as the United States, it is essential that schools emphasize that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution are for citizens of all faiths. Religious liberty is not only a universal right, but it depends on a universal responsibility to respect that right for others. Students must understand the inseparable link between the preservation of their own constitutional rights and their responsibility as citizens to protect the rights of others. Debate and disagreement are vital to effective social studies instruction and are a major element in the preparation of students for citizenship. Yet, in a pluralistic society, how we debate and disagree is crucial.