Extending Diversity: Religion in Public and Private Education
The dramatic growth in parochial schools has intensified the need for liberals to rethink arguments about civic education & diversity. Although parochial schools should not be publicly funded, it is contended that diversity should be extended by including students from parochial schools/home schools in the curriculum of public schools, & providing religious students alternative assignments/texts when requested. It is argued that allowing for separate schools while also encouraging parents to send their children to public schools on either a full- or part-time basis is the best way to enhance liberal citizenship. The lack of diversity in many separate schools is discussed, along with some benefits of moderate parochial schools; the threat to liberal values posed by religious schools that do not emphasize critical thinking or mutual respect for all; & reasons public financing should not be extended to parochial schools. Other issues addressed include strategies for cooperation between public & parochial schools; the treatment of religion in multicultural public schools; & difficulties related to the accommodation of religious beliefs in public institutions. J. Lindroth