We, the undersigned of this petition, request that the administration of LaVergne High School in LaVergne, TN, create a class for students to learn about the various religions of the world. Countless schools statewide offer such classes, so LaVergne High School should be added to that list. No one student would be forced to take the class. This could be offered as either a short one semester class or a full, in depth full year course. Subjects to be covered could include, but are not limited to, Christianity and its branches, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shamanism, Shinto, Scientology and various pagan-based area-specific sects. Classical religions, such as that of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and the early pagans. The teaching of each religion would consist of its main beliefs, important gods or goddesses, common worship rituals and/or practices, and light analyses of its so-called 'sacred text' (Bible, Upanishads, Qur'an, Torah, Daozang).
The offerring of this course could lead to greater religious tolerance throughout LaVergne High School. Due to the prevalance of certain religions in some racial groups, racial tolerance could also be increased. Overall, a world religions course at La Vergne High School could help increase unity throughout the community, creating a positive place for people to grow and prosper without fear of prejudice.