Throughout history, science has had a complicated relationship with religion, but people are often surprised to learn that the relationship has generally been positive. For example, many scientists, past and present, have found inspiration and support for their research through religion. Nevertheless, religious sensibilities have also, at times, been threatened by scientific and technological advancement, and that that tension can lead to controversies that play out in U.S. public schools.  The best known of these controversies involves the science of evolution, but stem cell research, global warming, and “Christian math” are examples of other SMT issues that have caused religiously-motivated conflict in our public school system. 

These controversies rarely put the interests of students first and they can be financially devastating to school districts, so it is best if they can be prevented.  Sustained public engagement that involves a wide a range of community members will make the politicization of religious controversies less likely. If public engagement is well- established before controversial issues arise, stakeholders are less likely to take sides.  When controversies do arise, it is important to recognize that they touch people’s core values and to address them with sensitivity and respect.  Work with religious leaders in your community, or national groups such as Public Agenda or AAAS’s Program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion, to discover common ground and work towards amicable solutions.

• How can we prevent controversies around SMT education and religion from occurring in our district?
• How should we respond if controversies arise?
• How can we reach out to communities that are resistant to aspects of the SMT curriculum?
• What resources are available to help us prevent or address controversies involving SMT education and religion?
• What approaches have boards have taken to address religious reservations about SMT education?
  

How can we prevent controversies around SMT education and religion from occurring in our district?

• Will Friedman from Public Agenda describes how sustained public engagement can prevent controversies from flaring up.  [VIDEO]

How should we respond if controversies arise?

• Anne Bryant, Executive Director of NSBA, offers some thoughts on how to approach controversies about teaching SMT. [VIDEO]
• Henry Green, pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church, offers advice on dealing with religiously motivated controversies around teaching SMT. [VIDEO]

How can we reach out to communities that are resistant to aspects of the SMT curriculum?

• Will Friedman from Public Agenda discusses how to make a public engagement effort truly representative. [VIDEO] 

What resources are available to help us prevent or address controversies involving SMT education and religion?

See

• Evolution
• Climate Change
• Stem Cell Research
• Christian Math  

What approaches have boards have taken to address religious reservations about SMT education?

• A 1999 article about a California school district’s steps to prevent religious conflict in their district.
• An article describing a lawsuit involving Ohio's Mount Vernon City School District. The school board suspended a science teacher in June 2008 after evidence emerged suggesting that he preached creationism in the classroom and branded his students with crosses.