Education and Diversity

Throughout our discussion today about teaching creationism in classrooms and understanding different points of view, I kept reverting my attention back to the theme of diversity.
In the classroom, many students of various ethnic, religious, and social background come together to be educated. Each student brings with him or herself a unique outlook on the world that can be shared with others. By teaching about creationism, we agreed that we must not offend those students in the classroom who believe have a right to believe in this idea in their religious lives. In teaching about creationism, however, we must not ignore these students. As believers or Christian followers, these students are primary resources for explaining creationism in a way that is understandable to their peers. These students may be able to present to the class their view points about creationism based on their set of beliefs, explaining the basic details about it that an non-practicing teacher may not fully understand. If creationism should be discussed in the classroom, then it should be discussed accurately, and these students may be willing to help.
One problem that could arise, though, is how to go about presenting this information without bringing religion into the school. I think this could be easily accomplished so long as the teacher and students approach the subject with an air of caution and interest in merely education, not conversion. I do believe that teaching about creationism is essential in schools. Many people in this country believe in it, and educators have a responsibility to prepare students for what they may encounter in the real world. By learning about creationism, students can grasp a deeper understanding of others, and be prepared to acknowledge and accept the diversity of the country, even if the belief isn't scientifically sound.