Episode Details

Teaching neutral, academic religious studies courses in American public schools is tricky. Many people don't even realize that it is legal! But one school district in Modesto, California is proving that a world religions requirement for all students can help improve religious literacy and foster respect for religious freedom.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
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Sources and photo attributions:

First Amendment Center report: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/madison/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FirstForum_ModestoWorldReligions.pdf

Report on outrage over Islam class: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/19/us/lesson-on-islam-shuts-down-virginia-school-district.html

Sued School District: http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/83461841-story

Bible Belt report: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teaching-not-preaching-in-ca-bible-belt/

Religion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/reading-writing-religion-back-to-school-at-the-first-public-school-in-the-country-to-require-a-world-religions-course/

Classroom Image: By Nan Austin of Modesto Bee

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