As people began to emigrate and settle in America, they additionally brought with them their beliefs and began to center their life on religion. However, over time the idea of separating church and state started to form. By examining the history of religious freedom, the laws that regulate religion in schools, and by identifying the faults in these laws, it is clear that these laws will change in the near future. From 1607 to 1993, America has been at war with the idea of religion. In 1791, the First Amendment was put in place, in which it stated that Congress could not create laws that went against people’s religion and that the government could not enforce a particular religion. Even though the First Amendment did not mention the idea of separation of church and state it was implied. Another step to enforce the idea of separation of church and state was seen in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This act indicated the beginning of people standing up for their rights in religion. Subsequently, the Supreme Court ruled that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act went against the constitution and soon after new laws and …show more content…
Many students were used to expressing and practicing their beliefs, as they please at home. However there were some who either were very religious or they have differing beliefs than the majority. These students paved the way to having readings of the Bible, the Lord’s Prayer, and other religious traditions taken out of the daily routine of school. Another major factor that effected the tension was the spreading and mixing of religions in cities across the nation. An example of regulating this issue can be found in the First Amendment, in which it states that “Congress shall make no laws prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” (Alexander) It also focused on the idea of “secular rather than a religious purpose.” (Choper