Religion, Culture, and Education in the United States

Religion is one of the most important multicultural issues in the United States today—and possibly the most problematic. With more than 40% of U.S. adults attending religious services and 84% identifying with a religious group, it can be assumed that the United States is a religious country.

Religion in the United States and in some other countries can play a pivotal role in both the public and private school systems. In countries that operate as theocracies, the school curriculum and the instructional practices are often determined by the state. The United States is unusual among many countries in that public institutions such as schools are required by law to maintain a separation of church and state. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits laws that ...