Secularism, the foundation of democratic education

Secularism is the principle that guarantees the independence of politics and education from religious denominations, in order to preserve freedom of conscience, pluralism, and the shared values ​​inherent in a democratic society, such as human rights. Freedom of conscience is incompatible with any form of dogmatic imposition; for this reason, secularism becomes a necessary condition to avoid singular and exclusionary views of reality. This principle is embodied in the confessional neutrality of the State. But it is important to clarify: neutrality does not mean an absence of values. On the contrary. A secular state does not adopt any specific religious doctrine, but acts impartially and actively to create a public space where all options of conscience can be expressed without privilege. Secularism is neither anti-religious nor relativistic; it is based on universal values ​​such as freedom, equality, and personal autonomy. The very origin of the word secularism reinforces this idea. It comes from the Greek 'Laos'Secularism, which means 'people' or 'the common good,' appeals to what makes all members of a society equal as citizens, regardless of their individual beliefs. From this arises a fundamental distinction: in the private sphere, everyone is free to live according to their convictions; in the public sphere, the State must guarantee that no particular option holds a privileged position over common institutions. This perspective does not ignore the history or culture of territories. Many societies have deep religious roots, and their recognition is part of respecting collective identity. But respecting history does not mean sacralizing it or turning it into a political norm. Democratic societies are built from the present, based on principles of equality and freedom. It is in the educational sphere that secularism acquires special relevance. Public schools are civic spaces intended to foster citizenship. Therefore, they must guarantee a common framework based on equality, respect for diversity, and freedom of conscience for all students. This civil neutrality is essential for schools to provide education without exclusion or discrimination.

In Spain, this issue presents a clear peculiarity. Although the 1978 Constitution establishes the secular nature of the State, the 1979 Agreements with the Holy See maintain the confessional teaching of the Catholic religion in public schools. This subject, if the curriculum is analyzed, does not correspond to an academic study of religious phenomena, however much some self-serving interpretations may try to present it as such, but rather to doctrinal training, taught by teachers appointed by ecclesiastical authorities and financed with public funds.

From an educational perspective, this situation opens a legitimate debate about the coherence between the constitutional principle and the reality of the educational system. The right of families to transmit their moral or religious convictions to their children is indisputable. However, this right should not imply that public schools must adopt and incorporate the doctrinal curriculum of one or more specific religious denominations. Defending a fully secular school means advocating for a common, inclusive school that respects all beliefs. Religion should be present as an object of cultural, historical, and philosophical knowledge, and as another dimension of human experience, but not as a doctrine to be transmitted or as an institutional practice. Ultimately, secularism is an essential condition for guaranteeing freedom of conscience and a quality democratic education. The debate on the role of religion in schools should take place within this shared framework, with the aim of strengthening social cohesion and facilitating the educational task of forming free, critical individuals committed to democratic values. In this context, it might also be appropriate for the Catholic Church to reconsider its role and presence in schools and contribute, clearly and respectfully, to making secularism a reality in education.