“He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.”
In putting this quote into its inaugural newsletter, the far-right political organization Moms for Liberty was saying the quiet part out loud. The quote itself is from Adolf Hitler, for which the group later apologized. Like the Nazi propagandists before them, America’s Christian nationalists are attempting to “own” today’s youth by injecting their religiopolitical views into students’ classrooms.
In my own state of Oklahoma, the legislature has passed bills that promote so-called Christian values while restricting the teaching of other concepts about race and gender. Other initiatives have made Bible study an elective course in schools or allotted time for students to attend churches for religious study. Proposals to permit public school teachers to proselytize and teach creationism were put forward as well but didn’t make it past their committees. (Trust me: They’ll be back.)
Current laws already allow Oklahoma’s students to pray and bring religious texts to school. There are events like “See You at the Pole,” where students are encouraged to gather and pray at a school’s flagpole. In one Oklahoma school district, an “impromptu” baptism even occurred. It’s not uncommon for church groups to bring bibles and food for students at graduations or other assemblies.
Similar efforts have taken hold in states such as Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and Louisiana. National organizations like the Heritage Foundation, American Legislative Exchange Council, and the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation have supported these initiatives, providing model legislation and advocacy resources. In Texas, the state board of education has approved textbooks that emphasize Christian narratives and downplay other perspectives.
In Florida, legislation has been passed allowing for “inspirational messages” (prayers) at school events. Kentucky’s lawmakers have introduced bills mandating the display of “In God We Trust” in public schools. Louisiana has mandated the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. And here in Oklahoma, school districts are currently contending with State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ mandate to put a Bible in every classroom. All of these efforts reflect a coordinated, nationwide campaign to force a certain kind of Christianity into public schools.
Proponents argue these measures can help instill moral values and provide a sense of community. Superintendent Walters suggests anyone who disagrees can “go to California,” a sentiment that hardly instills a sense of community or an appreciation for pluralism.
It doesn’t seem to occur to Walters and other Christian nationalists that one can’t claim to oppose indoctrination and “grooming” in schools or call oneself a champion of “religious liberty” while imposing one’s narrow version of Christianity on children.
The drive to Christianize public schools has particularly profound and detrimental effects on atheist students. In environments where Christian beliefs and practices are prioritized, atheist students frequently report feeling marginalized and discriminated against by other students and teachers. This can manifest as social exclusion, bullying, and pressure to conform to religious norms. Atheist students often find it difficult to participate in school activities that incorporate religious elements. Mandatory or strongly encouraged participation in prayers and religious assemblies can make atheist students feel uncomfortable and alienated.
The presence of Christian symbols and practices in public schools can also create a sense of exclusion for atheist students. For example, the display of “In God We Trust” in classrooms and hallways can be seen as an endorsement of a particular religious belief, making atheist students feel like outsiders. This not only affects their sense of belonging but can also have a negative impact on their academic performance and overall well-being.
Personal stories from atheist students highlight these struggles. Some recount being ostracized by their peers and feeling unwelcome in their own schools. Others describe instances where teachers and administrators have ignored or dismissed their concerns about religious activities in the classroom. The backlash these students experience if they complain can cause them to feel a sense of hopelessness. These experiences underscore the difficulties atheist students encounter in environments that fail to respect their beliefs (or lack thereof) and rights. Such practices create a hostile environment for those who do not share the dominant religious views.
Placing Christianity in our nation’s classrooms also has broader implications for religious freedom in the United States. The endorsement of a particular religion in public education alienates students of minority faiths, such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or even those from Christian faiths that don’t march in lockstep with far-right Christianity. This trend risks undermining a foundation of American society and could lead to increased religious tension and division. The emphasis on conservative Christian values in public schools can set a precedent for further erosion of the separation of church and state.
Legal battles are often lengthy and stressful for students and their families, who must navigate complex legal systems to protect their rights. These cases can attract public attention and backlash, further complicating the experiences of atheist students. And while legal victories can set important precedents, a loss can also upend decades of legal precedence, as has already happened with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. For this reason, any legal challenge brought in this judicial climate must be basically bulletproof to prevent any further erosion of the wall separating church and state.
Religious practices in public schools raise critical questions about the role of public education in promoting inclusivity and respect for all religious beliefs. The campaign to Christianize our secular schools challenges the constitutional mandate to provide a quality education accessible to all students, regardless of their religious beliefs. I urge fellow atheist voters to remember: November’s elections have consequences, and so does silence. Religious zealots are counting on both.