INTL 1202 Freedom of Religion
Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is widely recognized by scholars, policymakers and practitioners of human rights as the oldest of the universal human rights recognized under international law. Indeed, FoRB is frequently referred to as the “grandparent” of human rights and as “the first freedom” of international human rights. At the same time, the denial of the human right to freedom of religion or belief is a leading cause of repression, division and conflict across the globe. More than three-quarters of the world’s population lives in countries with high levels of government restrictions on religion. Studies show that government restrictions on religion correspond with increases in social hostilities and violence.
Contributors
College, Graduate, Professional Development
Civic Education for a Common Good
We apply the U.S. Department of Education’s Consensus Statements about Constitutional Approaches for Teaching about Religion
▸ Our approach to religion is academic, not devotional;
▸ We strive for student awareness of religions, but do not press for student acceptance of any religion;
▸ We sponsor the study about religion, not the practice of religion;
▸ We expose students to a diversity of religious views, but may not impose any particular view;
▸ We educate about all religions, we do not promote or denigrate any religion;
▸ We inform students about religious beliefs and practices, it does not seek to conform students to any particular belief or practice.
We apply the American Academy of Religion’s “Religious Literacy Guidelines”
▸ “Religious Literacy Guidelines for College Students.” American Academy of Religion, 2019.
▸ “Teaching About Religion: AAR Guidelines for K-12 Public Schools.” American Academy of Religion, April 2010.
We apply the National Council for the Social Studies C3 Frameworks for Religious Studies
▸ College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards, “Religious Studies Companion Document for the C3 Framework.” Silver Spring, MD: National Council for the Social Studies, 2017.
