Working in the Catholic school system, I’d say that only 10-20% of my students are actually practicing Catholics, with most others either having Catholic on their birth certificate and not practicing the faith in any regard, not being Catholic at all, or having a loose affiliation with Catholicism (i.e. going to church at Christmas). There is a ‘religion’ class taught for about a half hour per day, and this usually means reading a story or a piece of writing from the religion text and having a general discussion about it. At other times, it’s doing a craft or project around a certain faith-based topic (e.g. forgiveness) or religious holiday. All students are expected to participate in class, but the ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’ which are spoken of are general societal norms for the most part which most people in general society would agree with. We usually steer clear of the highly controversial topics, and if something controversial comes up we don’t push a belief down anyone’s throat. Sometimes we’ll say, “Catholics believe that…” and sometimes I’ll share my personal belief and ask others what they believe. Sometimes we agree, other times we don’t, but at all times respect is shown. Quite often, I’ll encourage my students to have a conversation about the topic with their parents and ask their parents what they think is right or wrong if they don’t know.

I really see moral education as a positive and important thing in the development of a child, regardless of what those morals may be. First off, knowing what you believe as right and wrong and what is important to you as a person provide ‘anchors’ of sort for your character that you can use in the development of your identity. Culture and religion are two examples of these types of anchors that one can use to help forge their identity and know who they are. There is comfort in that and it can help strengthen a person’s confidence. For those who don’t subscribe to a particular ethnic culture or religion, I think it’s equally important in the development of a person to establish morals and values. Ramming one’s ideas down another’s throat in a belligerent and closed-minded way likely is not the role of a teacher, regardless of whether one is in a public or religion-based teaching assignment. We all know the dangers of intolerance when it comes to morals, and this intolerance is something that usually gives any religion a bad name. The dangers of not forging one’s own personal morals can be seen when ‘lost’ children celebrate the culture of celebrity, sport, pop culture, gangs, etc. Everybody wants to belong to something I believe.

Helping a child forge their own beliefs and values prepares a child for society in an important way, and I do think it falls under a teacher’s mandate. As with anything, it’s all in how it’s done. The parent is the true authority in a child’s life and as a general rule of thumb I don’t try to go against a parent (I’ve questioned racist or discriminatory attitudes politely before but I think most in society would consider that fair). While the Keegstra case went far beyond the appropriate boundary, I think it’s good to talk have conversation with students of all ages in a respectful and tolerant manner which, while in some cases sharing one belief, respects all beliefs and helps students discover who they are.