The role of religion in public education remains a contentious issue, shaped by legal traditions, cultural expectations, and evolving interpretations of religious freedom. This presentation examines the legal frameworks governing religious education in Poland, France, and the United States—three countries that, despite their differences, face similar tensions between secularism, religious pluralism, and the rights of students and parents.
Poland, traditionally a Catholic-majority country, is witnessing increasing debates over the presence of religious instruction in public schools, with growing efforts to limit its role. France's strict secularism (laïcité) enforces a clear separation between religion and education but continues to struggle with legal disputes over religious expression. In the United States, the First Amendment protects both religious expression and state neutrality, leading to ongoing legal battles over school prayer, faith-based curricula, and religious accommodations.
By analyzing these diverse approaches, this study explores potential pathways for balancing religious freedom with secular education. Drawing from the experiences of these three legal systems, the presentation identifies best practices and potential compromises that could help navigate the complex relationship between faith and public education in a pluralistic society.