10 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.

]]> Secularism is one of the most important achievements of Western democracies. Separating the state and laws from religious beliefs is a fundamental step forward in guaranteeing civil liberties (including freedom of worship) and ensuring internal cohesion and the pluralistic and convivial nature of democratic societies. Governance mixed with religion tends to generate authoritarian or outright totalitarian policies, which amounts to criminal governments. A theocratic state like Iran massacres its population under the direct orders of its clerics, who do not hesitate to label citizens as terrorists deserving of execution. A democracy like Israel, led by ultra-religious and far-right leaders, becomes a corrupt power machine, capable of perpetrating the countless crimes of the Gaza genocide (which, incidentally, continues, even though the media has shifted its focus). The current aspiring global dictator, the delusional Trump, and his shadowy lieutenants (Rubio, Vance, Sedgeth) often invoke God and declare themselves divinely called to a transcendent mission, to justify what are nothing more than abuses of power committed by a gang of thieves who, unfortunately, have access. One of their first victims, another dictator, Maduro, acted similarly, but on a domestic Venezuelan level.

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