Starting in 2015, I developed a lecture series for the parents of our students and adults in our community. I wanted each family to have the opportunity to study together, and the results have been incredible. Most adults in our community are only familiar with devotional approaches to religion, which are constitutionally inappropriate for our public school classroom.

Our classes expose students to diverse religious views but never impose a particular perspective, and our parents learn this importance right away.

Unlike most subjects taught in public schools, religious studies as a discipline is almost unheard of amongst parents and community members. For those of us who teach the subject, we often face questions from parents and religious community members about the content of the curriculum and students' rights. If not addressed correctly, these community controversies can undermine the political will needed to support religious studies education in public schools.

In 2019, the National Summit on Religion and Education affirmed this language and the full report can be downloaded here.