In an unprecedented display of unity, 19 major education and religious organizations, including ASCD, have endorsed six principles that form the "civic ground rules" for resolving conflicts over religious issues in public education. Among the statement's diverse sponsors are the Christian Coalition, Citizens for Excellence in Education, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Education Association, the National School Boards Association, and People for the American Way. ASCD has been a key player in the process that led to issuance of the statement in March.
The six principles address (1) religious liberty for all, (2) the meaning of citizenship, (3) public schools as belonging to all citizens, (4) the relationship between religious liberty and public schools, (5) the relationship between parents and schools, and (6) the conduct of public disputes. The full text of the statement was printed in the May issue of Educational Leadership.
For more information or to request copies of "Religious Liberty, Public Education, and the Future of American Democracy: A Statement of Principles," call the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, (615) 321-9588.