It says in the Constitution that Congress will not make a law respecting an establishment of religion or restricting the free exercise thereof. If Congress cannot support or restrict religion, should our schools be able to? Schools give too much religious freedom to their students and limit non-religious students by allowing religious students several exceptions to various rules. These exceptions can infuriate both parents and students. Expressing religion in schools is unnecessary and can cause tension; therefore, it should not be allowed in public schools. Religion in public schools is not necessary. It provides a contrasting point of view on certain topics and separates some students based on something as simple as heritage. Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists Inc., says: "Although federal and other guidelines [imposed on students regarding religion] may be technically correct, we have found that religious groups often interpret their tone and content selectively, seeing a 'green light' for numerous practices, some of them constitutionally suspect” (Johnson). Open expression can create stress for teachers who may have to make exceptions for certain rules or allow their students to leave class at certain times for religious reasons. Teachers may worry that the student has lied to them about needing to leave class for religious reasons and may simply leave class. Instead of engaging in active religious expression, the student may simply skip the lesson and take advantage of the opportunity presented to him. Teachers should send another student to accompany the supposedly religious student to ensure that he is actually performing the act they say... in the middle of the paper... t” (North). ). Religious expression in schools can cause problems that could be avoided if it were not allowed. It can also provide unnecessary stress for both teachers and students. Including religious works in school may exclude students for whom it does not apply. Expressing religion in schools can cause tension, is unnecessary and should not be allowed in public schools. If religious expression were not allowed in public schools, there would be fewer complaints from religious and non-religious parents and students. Students would be able to see each other for who they truly are and not through a veil of partiality caused by outward religious expression. Teachers would be able to teach to the best of their ability and include more comprehensive concepts on lessons typically focused on religion. The school, in general, would improve and the learning experience itself would improve.