Empower K-12 s⁠t⁠uden⁠t⁠s and s⁠t⁠aff ⁠t⁠o know ⁠t⁠he⁠i⁠r F⁠i⁠rs⁠t⁠ Amendmen⁠t⁠ R⁠i⁠gh⁠t⁠s

September 5, 2024

Kayla Maloney

CALN Project Manager

Interior of Abandoned Building

These days, when one hears freedom of religion, they often conflate the concept with “freedom from religion.” This is not unique to the United States. In fact, France is a prime example of what can happen with the radical secularization (laïcité) of culture and society. Article I of the French Constitution reads, “France shall be an indivisible, secular, democratic and social republic.” This is seen with the famous prohibition of all religious symbols in French schools and government buildings.  

Today in the United States, we are on a similar and equally dangerous path, especially within our education system. I believe that as a society, we are heading towards secularization and universal suppression of all religious expression. This op-ed is for those who may not know that this is the opposite of what our Constitution intends. 

To read the full op-ed, visit Carolina Journal!