Some state lawmakers actively seeking common ground
By Charles Haynes
Senior scholar, First Amendment Center
11.19.00
After the rancor and division of the presidential race, I might not have chosen to spend an entire morning with a roomful of politicians. But a long-standing commitment to do just that was on the calendar months before this messy election.
So this week I dutifully traveled to Chapel Hill to speak on "religion and American public life" at a University of North Carolina seminar for state legislators. And to my surprise, after nearly four hours of discussion with 22 Democrats and Republicans from 10 Southern states, my faith in the political system was somewhat restored.
We tackled some tough issues, ranging from the Ten Commandments on classroom walls to constitutional limits on the free exercise of religion. Despite the strong differences of opinion in the room, the exchanges were unfailingly civil and thoughtful.
Fully aware that I might step on some toes, I politely suggested that state legislatures should refrain from "quick fixes" for problems such as school violence. Posting the Ten Commandments or requiring a moment of silence does little to change the moral climate among young people. Far more effective are efforts to make sure that every public school is committed to comprehensive character education.
I also urged the lawmakers to move their states beyond the false debate over "school prayer." Many Americans still mistakenly believe that the choice in public schools is between state-sponsored prayer and no prayer at all.
Our state leaders need to let their constituents know that there are many ways in which religious expression by students in a public school is protected under current law. Unfortunately, confusion in school districts about just what the First Amendment does and doesn't permit continues to trigger conflicts and lawsuits throughout the nation.
The more we discussed these and other hot-button issues, the more I came to respect these legislators as intelligent public servants who defy the stereotypes often portrayed in the media.
It was heartening to discover that our state legislatures include people like Hillman Frazier of Mississippi. He's an African-American senator currently chairing the commission charged with making a recommendation on possible changes to the Mississippi state flag. (The current one includes the Confederate battle flag.) After speaking with him, I concluded that if anyone can find a meaningful resolution to that divisive issue, it's Sen. Frazier.
Mitch Landrieu, a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, also impressed me. He's interested in exploring new ways to bring together people on both sides of polarized debates over issues such as abortion and capital punishment.
Can we find some common ground on particular public-policy proposals without compromising our deep convictions? Rep. Landrieu is convinced that we must at least try.
After so much negative rhetoric about our political leaders in recent months, it's instructive to be reminded of just how many dedicated and committed people work in our state capitals.
If we want the word "politician" used as a compliment rather than an insult, we need to elect more people like those gathered in Chapel Hill this week.
Your questions and comments are welcome. Write to:
Charles Haynes
The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center
1101 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
E-mail: chaynes@freedomforum.org