Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Religion and the Public Schools
Adopted by the CCAR at the 98th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1987
WHEREAS the Central Conference of American Rabbis has a long and distinguished history
of support for public education and for the separation of Church and State, and
WHEREAS certain religious groups increasingly attempt to revise and alter curriculum
materials to teach a sectarian and dogmatic viewpoint,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the CCAR reaffirm our commitment to public education
unencumbered by interference from religious groups, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CCAR reaffirm our commitment to the teaching of a
wide diversity of subjects, unaltered by sectarian dogma, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CCAR reaffirm our position that no religious dogma.
doctrine. or ceremony be part of public school curricula. However, textbooks and
study units should include objective references to the influence and significance
of various religions in the history and development of American and world society, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CCAR join with like-minded clergy of all faiths in
continued support of the American public school system which was established without
bias toward any religious doctrine, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon our elected leaders on local, regional, and
national levels to oppose the inclusion of religious dogma, doctrine, or ceremony
as part of public school curricula, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we oppose the teaching of creationism as a scientific
theory, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we oppose all efforts to remove or censor texts, library
books, or media materials, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CCAR commend efforts on the part of school administrators
and school boards to resist such intrusions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on other concerned religious bodies to join with
us in interreligious dialogue, to deal with the various issues of religion in the
public schools.