Nothing New Under the Sun: A Historical Overview of Religion in U.S. Public Schools

Abstract

As we think about current religious diversity and conflict in U.S. schools, it is important to note that religious conflict is not a new phenomenon in the history of U.S. schooling. This article briefly outlines the current and historical connections among religion, ethnicity, and K-12 education in the U.S. in order to note its persistence as well as possible directions for change so that schools can be more equitable for all students. Notes 1. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” 2. Latter-Day Saints were only recently, and controversially, counted as Protestants by religious sociologists.