1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Including religion-based teachings in public school curricula undermines the foundational promise of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which protects every individual's right to freedom of belief. This principle, upheld in Engel v. Vitale (1962), ensures that public schools remain a place where all children—regardless of their faith or lack thereof—feel safe, respected, and included. By introducing religion into the classroom, we risk alienating and marginalizing students whose beliefs differ, forcing them to feel like outsiders in a place that should nurture their growth and confidence. Public education should be a sanctuary of knowledge, rooted in secular, evidence-based teaching, where every child is valued for who they are—not pressured into adopting beliefs that may conflict with their family's faith. Let’s honor our commitment to inclusivity and equality by keeping religion-based teachings out of public schools.