schools
India’s Christians concerned about growing attacks on religious minorities
By Arielle Dreher — May 27, 2015
NEW DELHI (RNS) The attacks on the Christian community have come against a background of fear, triggered by Hindus in Narendra Modi’s party, that Christians are increasing their efforts to proselytize -- especially in schools.
British ponder charitable tax relief status of controversial Exclusive Brethren schools
By Trevor Grundy — March 23, 2015
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) Eight former teachers described school buses segregated by gender, classroom racism and textbooks with pages on evolution, fossil fuels and sexual reproduction ripped out.
How Pakistan’s unregulated madrassa system sows division and religious strife
By Naveed Ahmad — December 22, 2014
ISLAMABAD (RNS) Two attempts have been made since Sept. 11, 2001 to regulate the country's seminaries. Both have failed.
The delicate politics of school holidays (COMMENTARY)
By Hussein Rashid — November 14, 2014
(RNS) Inclusion on the school calendar is an important symbol of belonging. Muslims want to be part of that narrative as well.
British officials plan ‘dawn raids’ to check on Islamic extremism in schools
By Trevor Grundy — June 9, 2014
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) One unnamed school took advantage of a prior notice of inspection and hastily arranged special lessons for its students on Christianity.
English schools investigated for role in Islamist takeover plot
By Trevor Grundy — May 7, 2014
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) Government officials have launched an inquiry into 21 schools in the Birmingham area suspected of being a part of an Islamist plot.
Hindus in New Jersey school district want a day off for Diwali
By Katherine Davis-Young — February 25, 2014
(RNS) “I think if the school granted the (Diwali) holiday, then his friends would know, ‘OK, you are a Hindu,’” said Jyoti Sharma, who is asking the Millburn Township School District to consider a day off for Diwali for her son.
Should schools close for Eid holidays? Muslims are divided
By Omar Sacirbey — February 18, 2014
(RNS) Two petitions urging the federal government to close schools on the two Eid holidays sparked spirited debate in the Muslim community. Both failed to amass enough signatures.
Italians question merits of Catholicism elective in public schools
By Eric J. Lyman — October 29, 2013
ROME (RNS) For the first time in history, the entire class of one Italian high school opted out of an elective on Roman Catholicism earlier this month, reopening a long-standing debate over whether state money should be used to fund a class that focuses on a single faith.
Is yoga religious? An Indian court mulls mandatory school exercises
By Vishal Arora — October 28, 2013
(RNS) India’s school policy considers yoga an integral component of physical education. But the court has expressed caution, and is considering arguments that yoga has a religious component.
Muslims say they deserve school time off for holidays, too
By Omar Sacirbey — October 14, 2013
(RNS) For many Muslim families and students, getting Eid al-Adha as an official school holiday isn't just about equity and sparing students the hassle of make-up work, but connecting with their religious identity.
British government asks church to take over thousands of state schools
By Trevor Grundy — July 10, 2013
(RNS) The Church of England insists that state schools that become academies under its control will lead to higher educational standards and not the Christian "indoctrination" of pupils. The National Secular Society begs to differ.
GUEST COMMENTARY: First Amendment protects everybody’s religious freedom
By Charles C. Haynes — July 23, 2012
(RNS) Attempts to favor one faith -- historically Protestant Christianity -- over others in the public square are doomed to fail in the new religious America of the 21st century. But that won't stop many in the majority from trying. By Charles C. Haynes.
Supreme Court tosses ‘Christian candy cane’ case
By Chris Lisee — June 12, 2012
WASHINGTON (RNS) An appeal over Christmas sweets turned bitter yesterday (June 11) when the Supreme Court declined to hear the so-called “candy cane” case. The case is a rallying point for conservative Christians concerned about free religious expression. By Chris Lisee.
After angering Catholics, White House honors teachers
By Tracy Gordon — January 25, 2012
WASHINGTON (RNS) Days after angering Catholics with a new rule that forces religious groups to offer contraceptive coverage, the White House on Wednesday tried to repair relations by honoring nine Catholic educators. By Lauren Markoe.
Page 2 of 2
