The First Amendment and the “3 Rs” of Religious Liberty: A U.S. Approach to Religion Education and Human Rights

This chapter first identifies an emerging international framework for thinking about religion education and human rights. It then describes an approach to teaching about religion in American public schools that is based on the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the “3 Rs” of religious liberty—rights, responsibility, and respect. While acknowledging both strengths and limitations, the chapter argues that this approach promotes respect for basic human rights while providing education about religion that is both constitutionally permissible and academically sound.