Challenges with religion in

public and separate school

systems
Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion.

-Ontario Human Rights Commission

The evolution of Canadian society has given rise to

a concept of this neutrality according to which the
state must not interfere in religion and beliefs.

-Gordon Thomas, ATA

Religious Issues

This is a broad and complex topic, therefore not

every component will be covered
The focus will be on changes taking place in
schools and improvements that can be made
This includes gender issues, religion diversity, and
parental involvement
What are some of the major issues in
public schools?
Religious diversity
One example is religious clothing and objects
Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: a
freedom of conscience and religion.
Ability for students to participate in their religious practices
during school time
One example is prayer rooms in public schools
Religious Education
How is religion discussed and practiced in the school
environment
One example is the debate over having prayer during
announcments and teacher discussions in the classroom
How are public schools dealing with
these issues?

Creating a neutral environment,

focusing on education over religion
Accommodating diversity
"I have my own beliefs, but I also respect
the beliefs of those around me. The
diversity in our education system is a
beautiful and liberating facet of life in
Canada. Kids learn about culture, religion,
language and so much more from each
other, in class and outside of it."

-Nadia Mahmood
What are some of the major issues in
separate schools? (ie Catholic and private)

Educating students on proper

behavior while maintaining religious
beliefs
Being mindful of how our changing
society relates to religious beliefs
Parents ability to challenge the
systems methods in relation to religion
How are separate schools dealing with
these issues?
Some schools have been very
accommodating and are adjusting to
support religious beliefs while also
upholding human rights
Other schools refuse to accommodate,
choosing to prioritize religious beliefs
Video discussion

What similarities and difference do we

see in the videos?

What are some other religious issues

teachers may face that were not
discussed in the videos?
Additional Sources
http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/chris-selley-religious-education-
under-fire-across-canada

https://www.teachers.ab.ca/Publications/ATA%20News/Volume-51-2016-
17/Number-5/Pages/Q-and-A.aspx

http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/creed-freedom-religion-and-human-rights-
special-issue-diversity-magazine-volume-93-summer-2012/faith-public-school-
system-principles-reconciliation

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2012/09/15/religion_i
n_public_schools.html

http://globalnews.ca/news/2236822/catholic-high-school-in-alberta-
switching-to-gender-neutral-washrooms/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zer8AaHzEqs
Articles and Image Links

Lewy, Southey and Betty, Stafford. How to expose fourth and fifth graders to
religion and spirituality in a public school classroom. International Journal of
Children's Spirituality 12, no. 3 (December 2007): 325-30.

Davis, Michael J. Religion, Democracy and the Public Schools. Journal of

Law and Religion 25, no. 1 (2009-2010): 33-56.

http://teachingadolescents.weebly.com/uploads/8/2/4/5/8245795/1511456_o
rig.jpg?280

http://media.washtimes.com.s3.amazonaws.com/media/image/2016/05/10/Tr
ansgender_Rights_Bathrooms.JPEG-01816.jpg