Religious Tolerance at School - Game Script Separation Between Religion and State


Background

"No human race is superior; no religious faith is inferior. All collective judgments are wrong. Only racists make them." (Eli Weisel)

The other day, one of the students in your school chose to remain seated and silent during the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The news spread like wildfire, some people called this student "unpatriotic" and some even said that they should be expelled because it was un-American and disrespectful to the Armed Forces. Others said that they understood where the student was coming from, claiming that the Pledge of Allegiance goes against the constitution and can make some students, especially those who do not believe in one God, feel uncomfortable. 

Your teacher decided to use this specific dilemma as a way to open up a broad discussion about religion and tolerance. 

Characters

Frankie Student

Growing up in a Christian household, you went to Sunday mass every week and volunteered with your older sister in the church a few times a year. When you got to high school, you joined the football team and debate team. As a result you don't have the time to go to mass as often.


Your Task

Dear Frankie, your job is to educate your fellow students about your religion. While Christianity is one of the most common religion in the U.S, it can sometimes be misunderstood.  

Use the resources offered to you.


Resources

Scene - 01 Scene - 11

Kyle Student

When you were younger, you had a difficult time fitting in because there weren't any other atheists in your class. On days that you would come home with a frown on your face, your mom always said the same thing, "be good to your fellow man, and love each other as life itself." 


Your Task

Dear Kyle, it is your job to educate your fellow classmates about Atheism. Is it a religion? Correct the common misconceptions surrounding Atheism.

Use the resources offered to you..


Resources

Scene - 01 Scene - 11

Rachel Student

You grew up in a Reform Jewish home. Your mom always taught you about tikkun olam (Hebrew for "repair the world"), a Jewish concept that is defined by acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair the world. 

 


Your Task

Dear Rachel, it is your job to educate your fellow students about Judaism. What are the main beliefs?

Use the resources that were provided to you..


Resources

Scene - 01 Scene - 11

Sobia Student

You grew up in a traditional Muslim home. You are proud of your religion but sometimes you think it is the reason for others' prejudgment.


Your Task

Dear Sobia, it is your job to educate your fellow classmates about Islam. It is one of the most misunderstood religions but you have the ability to correct these misconceptions.

Use the resources provided to you..


Resources

Scene - 01 Scene - 11

Jun Student

Born in China, you moved to Manhattan with your family at the age of 3. Your parents have always encouraged you to assimilate to American culture but to always keep Buddhism in your heart.


Your Task

Dear Jun, it is your job to educate your fellow classmates about Buddhism. What are the main beliefs? 

Use the resources provided to you..


Resources

Scene - 01 Scene - 11

Scene 1: 5 Students With 1 Goal


1.

Public Message

Mrs. Miller decided to change up the lesson plan.. Today, we're going to discuss 4 major religions and atheism. Instead of standing in front of the class and telling you about each religion, you, the students, are going to teach each other. 

Does your religion believe in a god, multiple gods, or no god? Explore some of the common misconceptions surrounding your religion and set the record straight.

You might be surprised to find that some of the core beliefs are similar to your classmates'..


2.

Private (a while after previous message)

Frankie:

Based on the resources given, you should explain what Christianity is: What God do Christians believe in? What are the most holy places for Christians? What are the high holidays?

Kyle:

Based on the resources given, you should explain what Atheism is: When did it start? What do Atheists believe? Address some of the common misconceptions surrounding Atheism. Many people don't know a lot about Atheism so make sure you explain it well.

Rachel:

Based on the resources given, you should explain what Judaism is: What God do Jews believe in? What are the most holy places for Jews? What are the Jewish high holidays?

Sobia:

Based on the resources given, you should explain what Islam is: What God do Muslims believe in? What are the most holy places for Muslims? What are the high holidays?

Jun:

Based on the resources given, you should explain what Buddhism is: What do Buddhists believe in? What are the most holy places for Buddhists? What are the high holidays?


3.

Public Message (a while after previous message)

Try to find similarities between your religion and the others and share it with your friends.


End Message

Now that we have some common ground, let's use this information to discuss and debate the recent incidents in school..


Discussion Points

  • Why do you think it is important to learn about religions that are different than your own?
  • Can atheism - the lack of belief in something - be considered a religion?
  • Tell me something that you learned? Something that changed your view of another religion?

Scene 2: One Nation, Under God?


1.

Public Message

News has spread throughout the school that a student refused to say the pledge of allegiance during morning announcements. The teacher sent the student to the office for not cooperating with the school rules. There has been a lot of talk regarding the incident.

Mrs. Miller decided to open a class discussion and allow you guys, the students, to debate the subject of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.


2.

Private (a while after previous message)

Frankie:

Based on the resources given, argue whether or not, based on Christian values, the student should be allowed (or not allowed) to not recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Kyle:

Based on the resources given, argue whether or not, based on Atheist values, the student should be allowed (or not allowed) to not recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rachel:

Based on the resources given, argue whether or not, based on Jewish values, the student should be allowed (or not allowed) to not recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sobia:

Based on the resources given, argue whether or not, based on Islamic values, the student should be allowed (or not allowed) to not recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jun:

Based on the resources given, argue whether or not, based on Buddhist values, the student should be allowed (or not allowed) to not recite the Pledge of Allegiance.


3.

Public Message (a while after previous message)

The first amendment of the U.S Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Do you think that forcing a student to recite the pledge is unconstitutional?

Explain your view.


4.

Public Message (Shortly After previous message)

Watch the following video and answer the question: What do you think about this video? Try to stick to your character's persona.


Vote

After all you have said and heard, do you think that this student should be penalized for their actions or should they be given permission by the school to not recite the Pledge?



Option 1
Punish them
Option 2
Give permission

Ending message for when most people voted for option



Option 1

The majority of your classmates decided that the student should be penalized for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.. Turns out that only 3 of the 50 states force students to say the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools.


Option 2

The majority of your classmates decided that the student should be given permission to not participate in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. There have been many court cases that have petitioned to remove 'under God' from the Pledge.



Discussion Points

  • What is religious freedom?
  • What is religious tolerance?
  • Why should you show respect for other people’s religious beliefs?
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