Freedom of Religion for Kids in Public Schools

What does it mean to have freedom of religion for kids in American schools? Does it mean your children are free to practice religion at home and church but not in public? Must they stay quiet about God in the classroom and online school platforms, and only talk about Him at break time? Absolutely not. If you have a kid in public school, it’s important both you and your child understand your right to freedom of religion for kids to practice their faith in school.

Separation Between Church and State Explained

When fighting for freedom of religion for kids in school, a common point of opposition they might hear is “separation between church and state”, meaning any event sponsored or permitted by the state cannot include religion. And because a public school is state funded, God cannot be recognized, worshiped, or even discussed in the school setting. That is simply wrong. As a constitutional right, “freedom of religion” for kids also includes the “free exercise of religion.” Faith is meaningless if a person cannot order and live out their faith in public as they please.

What separation of church and state actually means is that the state may not establish a religion, force a particular religion on people, or prevent the free exercise of religion by discriminating against or suppressing expression. Thomas Jefferson used the phrase to reassure people that the government would stay out of religion, because prior to the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, some states did endorse and force particular religions. Government staying out of religion does not mean religious people must stay out of government, or that they must never bring their beliefs and practices with them into public places and events. That would be a government prohibition or prevention of religion.

The Protected Right of Freedom of Religion for Kids

While we’re privileged to have access to freedom of religion for kids in American schools, some countries do not recognize freedom of religion, so Christians must obey God rather than man in matters of religious conscience. God’s law is always the ultimate law. In the United States, however, the Constitution recognizes the freedom of conscience and of religious practice, so when uninformed people try to intimidate or restrict us, we can politely resist with the confidence that the highest law in the land is on our side, protecting freedom of religion for kids. 

Telling school children they may not openly pray in school or openly talk about Jesus, within any time or place in school when they may otherwise talk, is a violation of free speech, freedom of religion for kids, and free exercise of that religion. As our faith should affect every part of our lives and decisions, there are plenty of times when it would be appropriate to speak of religious beliefs without straying from the classroom topic.

As just an example to put things into perspective, imagine this scenario…

Johnny is doing really well in school and his teacher commends him, asking what motivates him. Johnny says, “it’s my Grandma. She encourages me and tells me I can do well. I love her and she loves me. She inspires me and I want to please her.” Imagine the teacher saying, “We don’t talk about Grandma here. Grandma isn’t appropriate for public schools.” We all agree that would be outrageous. But too often, we are intimidated by that mindset regarding talking about God. Encourage your child to look for opportunities to bear witness to their faith in Christ and be bold when exercising freedom of religion for kids.

How to Exercise Freedom of Religion for Kids in Classrooms

When it comes to freedom of religion for kids in public schools, your child has every right to voluntarily speak about their beliefs in school—whether it be a conversation with another student, a comment in a class discussion about literature or philosophy, or a written paper that meets assignment criteria. They may even pray before athletic events and other student-led assemblies, as while official, school-led assemblies or activities cannot be seen promoting any one religion over another, they also cannot suppress voluntary student religious expression.

Government representatives (such as school administrators and teachers) must extend equal treatment and equal access to all individuals and groups which are similarly situated within school bodies. If a school allows students to pass out opinion fliers, hang posters, and attend after school clubs led by adults, the school cannot deny Christian students the right to do all the same things.

CEF and the Fight for Freedom of Religion for Kids

This right to freedom of religion for kids who believe in Jesus was more firmly secured for American Christians everywhere by Child Evangelism Fellowship® and a case that went to the Supreme Court, Good News Club v. Milford Central School District. The ruling was that Good News Clubs® can meet in public schools in the United States after school hours on the same terms as other community groups. Today, Child Evangelism Fellowship® conducts around 5,000 Good News Clubs® in public schools across America.

In a survey of public school principals who have Good News Clubs® in their schools, researchers found that children who attend Good News Club® do better in their school work, behave better, and demonstrate a better attitude. If children want to talk about what they learned in Good News Club® and how it motivates them to do well, they are free to talk about that, and to invite other children to attend under their right to freedom of religion for kids. For help on starting a Good News Club® in a school near you, go to CEFonline.com.