The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-11-22
RELIGION AND THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
by N d. Cochran

The New York Legislature enacted a law author
fzng religious instruction of public school pupils
hour week during school hours but outside Of school
buildings. The CcmstttIniunaIty of that law is
being tested in the State suireme Court
Those who attack the law contend that ii violates
one of the fundamental principles of the Constitution,
declaring that State and Church shall remain separate
Also they that is in conflict with the State
compulsory school attendance law, which the commits
sioner of education is required to enforce
Counsel for the State department Of education,
defending the law, argue that not permit the alb
of children from regular school classes to att end
their church schools would be AN interference with
religious liberty, and that pupil is required to at
tend the church classes without the consent of the
parent
Counsel for the Greater New York Federation of
Churches and the New York Sunday School Associa-
ton, asserting the right Of the parent to direct the
training and culture Of the child to be of the
most naenable liberties guaranteed by Fourteenth
amendment to the Federal Constitution and the Bill
of Rights of New York State said
1.-THE local school boards Of this State, which have
the authority to prescribe the curriculum and make
all reasonable rules and regulations, have the power
to give reasonable recognition this right and to
recognize that, according to the view of most par
ents religion is the most essential and an increasingly
important element in the prescribed subjects of ccs
citizenship and patriotism While such boards may
themselves under the Constitution, expend public
money upon religious education in connection with
these prescribed SUBJECTS they have the power to honor
the views of the parents who feel that any instruc
ton in these subjects which excludes religion altogether
is in effect instruction in irretgon and undermines
the very basis Of all good citizenship honest govern
ment and enlightened patriotism"
1t is expected that this VIII go ultimately to
the Supreme Court OF the United States; il be
of interest all all citizens of all
religions
The right of parents to direct the training and
nature the character of the child need be dis
puted, and isn't There is dispute to the in
tention of the Constitution separate Church and
State But there be honest and sincere difference
of opinion as to the propriety of indirect well
direct connection Of religious instruction with such
instruction public schools are expected pro-
vide.
One need not argue against either the value or
the importance of religious instruction in insisting that
the public school is place for it, and that public
school authorities should not touch it the
to accommodate any church. There is plenty of time
for religious instruction by churches parents
side of public school hours
If this all there is TO the movement that led
to the New York law it might be passed not
important enough to discuss but there is determined
effort the part of religonists get around
the constitutional separation of Church State and
to force religious teachnGrin the public schools. And
that is important.
Even the movement to have Bible reading in the
schools involves the determination to which Bible
shall be used: and three Bibles at least use in
this countryside Jewish Bible. Catholic Bible and
the King James edition of the Protestant Bible. That
is already controversial subject.
We can't teach religion in the public schools unless
we teach some religion. Agreement any one re-
igion is impossible. We all agree on the Golden
Rule, but that's about far can go; and it's
quite far enough for the public schools open
to children of all religions or of religion equal
terms.