USHA is a strong supporter of public education and opposes any government policy
that assists private education using taxpayer dollars. Urgent and immediate attention
is needed to repair and reform our public education system. Determining the root
causes that weaken our educational system and finding long term solutions is in
the best interest of all Americans. In the schools of tomorrow, a greater openness
is essential.
India-Hindu
Studies Programs
We believe that public schools should promote and expand education on various major
world religions. Such changes in school curriculum will help all young Americans
to appreciate and respect the religious diversity that exist in our country. USHA demands Hindu Studies programs
in all public schools to be taught by qualified Hindu American teachers.
School Prayer
in Public Schools
There have been numerous attempts in the past to introduce prayer in public schools
by various Christian Religious Organizations. The courts have repeatedly made it
clear that such attempts are in violation of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
In spite of the historic record of court rulings related to prayer in school, activists
belonging to fundamentalist and evangelist groups continue to aggressively pursue
to change status quo. We strongly oppose the imposition of any government-drafted
school prayer and urge the public and elected officials to be ever vigilant so that
such efforts will never gain public sympathy or judicial approval.
Teaching of
Religion in Science Classes
Every religion has its own view of how creation happened. Since there are divergent
views on this subject, any attempt to introduce the views of any particular religious
tradition will only divide society and increase intolerance for the religious views
of our citizens. We oppose the inclusion of religious perspectives on scientific
theories within public schools. We believe that the primary responsibility of religion-oriented
education for children rests with parents and legal guardians and not with school
systems or government.
Bullying and
Psychological Torture
Bullying is a serious issue being faced by thousands of students of all ethnic/religious
backgrounds in American schools. Strong measures must be taken to counter bullying
of minorities who may look or act differently from the majority population. We demand
stricter laws to punish those guilty of bullying in schools since such acts leave
a permanent psychological scar on students.
Abstinence
Programs
American teenagers have the highest instance of teenage pregnancy among all nations.
In order to address this serious problem, we support programs intended to promote
abstinence education and training in relationship-related issues based on facts
and logic. Such programs should not, however, become breeding grounds for promoting
the dogmatic beliefs of enthusiastic religious fundamentalists. The government and
the school systems under government control should develop adequate safety mechanisms
for preventing such a misuse of public authority.
School Uniforms
We strongly
support school uniforms determined by the school authorities in consultation with
parents to promote discipline and curb rampant consumerism. The decision makers
must consider the religious sensitivity of students in the design of such uniforms.
Healthier
Vegetarian School
Meals
We urge local, state and federal governments
to appreciate the value of providing a choice of healthy vegetarian meals in public
schools. In order to ensure better health for future generations of Americans, it
is an imperative to educate today’s students about the various benefits and risks
associated with different types of food.
Information Regarding Hindus and
India
in School Text Books
False and misleading information regarding Hindus
and
India
is rampant in American school text books. We urge county and state Boards of Education
to create a task force to look into this important matter so that American children
are not denied a true and accurate understanding of Hindus and India.
Promotion of Yoga and Meditation in Schools
In an effort to curb
the increasing violence in our schools, USHA urges Congress to consider legislation
that would introduce the teaching of yoga and meditation in our public schools.
These healthy techniques developed in
India
over the past thousands of years have been used to develop healthy bodies and strong
minds free of disease and stress. Tens of millions of Americans have benefited from
these proven techniques. We believe it can benefit all of humanity. The benefits
of teaching yoga and meditation far outweigh the associated costs.
Some of the less understood benefits
of these practices include stress reduction, reduction in body pain, enhanced metabolism,
improved blood circulation, better focus/concentration (while studying or working),
increased sense of self awareness, increase in self confidence and self esteem,
better productivity, and stronger/ harmonious human relationships.