Chapter 5 deals with the evolution of the schooling system over the years. The common school, back then, was something postivie to society. It promoted the values of capitalism, Protestantism, and republicanism. However, the common school still had its share of discrimination in the schooling system, despite its attempts to be free for each race individually. Religion was the main base of the curriculum, and it was dominated by one culture. This was unfair to the Native Americans and other races who were forced to learn a religion they did not follow or practice. Because of this private schools were set up, mainly by Catholics, to preserve their culture.
The government also came into play when some of the money was used to support this type of religious education movement. Personally, I believe that teaching religion in schools should not be a necessity. If one would like to learn about a religion, it should be done outside of school, or in a private school where it is included. If back then we were dealing with the problem of school and religion, it makes me wonder how much better of a job we’re doing with it today. How are the public schools handling and promoting tolerance to its multicultural student base?
