While public school teachers are prohibited from preaching, holding courses in world religion may give students the insight to discourage incidents of religious discrimination or hate crimes.

In one case that resulted from a dispute about teaching intolerance and gay rights, California’s Modesto City School District found success teaching its curriculum on world religions. The required course has been touted as a national model to promote respect for religious diversity.

Linda K. Wertheimer’s book, “Faith Ed: Teaching about Religion in an Age of Tolerance,” raises questions about the impact of religious education in public schools and what our system should consider when introducing programs that teach religious diversity.

Today, Wertheimer, a veteran education journalist, discusses her book with Patt Morrison and weighs in on how schools can approach the issue of religious intolerance with education.

Guest:

Linda K. Wertheimer, veteran education journalist and author of “Faith Ed: Teaching About Religion in an Age of Intolerance” (Beacon Press, 2015)