Explore religion in schools Nov. 4

By Deborah Moon

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The December “dilemma” just scratches the surface of the issues of religion in the public schools that will be discussed when the two Jewish organizations host a panel discussion 1:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

“Religion in the Public Schools: A Guide for the Perplexed,” based on a recently revised local booklet of the same name, is a free program for educators, Jewish parents with children in the public schools and anyone interested in  the separation of church and state. The program is presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Community Relations Committee, which developed the booklet, and the American Jewish Committee.
   
According to Community Relations Director Robert Horenstein, questions about what is permissible in public schools frequently come up in December when schools and parents wrestle with questions such as: How religious can a winter concert be? Can a high school choir go caroling?
   

Yet, in recent years, Horenstein said he has had fewer questions on those topics. He attributed the decrease to schools in the metro area being aware of such issues and having policies in place to deal with them.
   
“Now I get more oddball, gray area questions—some of which currently are working their way through the court system,” said Horenstein.
   
Other questions to be addressed by panelists include: May a student distribute religious materials to other students? May a teacher wear religious garb? May a parent volunteer read Bible stories to kindergartners?
   
Horenstein said that CRC and AJC are co-hosting the program both to inform the public about such issues and to make them aware that both CRC and AJC can be resources when such issues arise in local schools.

Panelists will include:
    • Michael Simon, a partner in Perkins Coie LLP, a former chair of the CRC and current president of AJC.
    •  Barbara Ruben, assistant professor of the dept. of education at Portland State University, who is involved in training future teachers.
    • Ed Dennis, Oregon deputy superintendent of public instruction.

In addition to the CRC and AJC serving as a resource for parents, Horenstein said he and AJC Dirctor Emily Gottfried also want parents to realize that they are also a resource for the organizations. He asks parents aware of potential church-state issues to call him at 503-245-6496 or Gottfried at 503-295-6761.
   
“Unless it’s brought to our attention, we may not know what’s going on out there that should be a concern to us,” said Horenstein. “We want parents to be our eyes and ears.”
    
Admission for the panel discussion is free and no reservations are required. For more information, call Horenstein at 503-245-6496.