Under-Representation of Hinduism Relative to Abrahamic Religions in the American Education System

History is an integral part of the American education system. Students are taught various concepts and themes from ancient civilizations and how they contribute to the world around us today. Religion has played a significant role in shaping history and is taught from different perspectives in the American education system, including Christianity. Christian values have influenced the foundation of America and continue to shape various aspects of Western society. In addition to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are also deeply integrated into the American history curriculum. This is mainly because they share a common origin, all tracing back to an ancient figure named Abraham. Due to this connection, they are collectively known as the Abrahamic religions.

Since Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all come from the same roots and share many beliefs and traditions, they are taught in American schools with a lot of depth and presented in a respectful manner. This is despite the fact that these religions have fought wars against each other for over 2,000 years. On the other hand, Hinduism is seen as entirely different from these religions and alien to the Western world. Additionally, during colonial rule, Hinduism was often misrepresented as primitive. As a result, the American education system provides only a shallow understanding of Hinduism, usually including misleading or inaccurate information about its beliefs and practices.

In the United States, public schools are legally required to avoid promoting religious beliefs, except when teaching for educational purposes. Because of this rule, many schools spend little time discussing Hinduism or other religions besides Abrahamic. Instead, students often learn about history topics such as American, Native American, African American, and European History. Many history classes focus on the influence of Abrahamic religions, and schools typically require American Studies courses mainly influenced by Christianity and Judaism.

On the other hand, schools do offer courses like World History and Asian Studies; however, these classes tend to be Eurocentric and provide limited coverage of different cultures. As a result, children in America may not be exposed to their cultural heritage as much as they would be in their native societies. Additionally, textbooks in these courses often give only partial or inaccurate information about Hinduism, its history, beliefs, and practices.

Religion plays a key role in society, and young people should learn about it without bias. It is unfair that American students receive a good understanding of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, while Hinduism is often underrepresented or misrepresented in US schools, even though over 4 million people in the US follow it. Today’s youth need to learn about Hinduism as thoroughly and accurately as they do the Abrahamic religions to help maintain the cultural diversity for which the US is known.

Due to various constraints, living in a Western country can make it challenging to stay deeply connected with one’s cultural heritage. For instance, while schools across America offer days off for holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Yom Kippur, the only Hindu holiday officially recognized is Diwali—and even then, schools rarely give the day off unless there is a special circumstance. Diwali is not the only holiday Hindus celebrate; many more festivals like Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi are also very important and deserve recognition. Students should have a day off or some acknowledgment to celebrate these meaningful holidays.

To promote inclusivity and cultural representation in the American education system, school curricula must expand beyond the Abrahamic religions and give Hinduism the recognition it deserves. While the Abrahamic religions have played an essential role in the history of the Western world, learning about Hinduism can help students gain a better understanding of world history. The American education system should acknowledge the limited coverage of Hinduism and its values, ensuring it receives the proper emphasis.

References

https://rajivmalhotra.com/hinduism-in-american-classrooms/

https://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/s_es/s_es_malho_h_edu_frameset.htm

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/religion-in-public-schools-explained/2024/08#:~:text=Yes%2C%20but%20only%20for%20academic,clause%20in%20the%20First%20Amendment.

https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/religion-context/case-studies/minority-america/hindus-american-textbooks