OIS, Midwest - About Islamic Networks Group

"I think it's so important for all of us to understand each others cultures. This Presentation is a wonderful way to introduce students to Islam. It's a fantastic presentation"
Teacher-Scott Elementary School

"The presentations were really interesting . It is nice for the students to hear about the culture/ religion of Islam from someone who closely follows the religion/ way of life. (The speaker) taught my students things that I could not, through sharing her experience."
Teacher-Lake Park High School

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Ist Amendment – U.S. Constitution
About the First Amendment Center (www.firstamendmentcenter.org)

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The First Amendment Center works to preserve and protect First Amendment freedoms by clarifying and educating the public on this subject. The Center serves as a forum for the study and exploration of issues relating to freedoms of expression, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press and religion, the right to assemble and to petition the government. Through its Religious Freedom Programs, the Center helps schools and communities throughout the nation address issues concerning religion and values in public education.

The Organization of Islamic Speakers Midwest, an affiliate of Islamic Networks Group (ING), bases its guiding principles upon the First Amendment Center publication, “A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in the Public Schools.” This guide is based upon the principles outlined in “Religious Liberty, Public Education, and the Future of American Democracy,” a document produced by a group of educational and religious organizations. Principle IV of this document states:

“Public Schools may not inculcate nor inhibit religion. They must be places where religion and religious conviction are treated with fairness and respect. Public schools uphold the First Amendment when they protect the religious liberty rights of students of all faiths or none. Schools demonstrate fairness when they ensure that the curriculum includes study about religion, where appropriate, as an important part of a complete education.”

This principle supports OISM’s mandate to provide academic presentations on Islam and the Muslim world to complement social studies and world history curriculum in schools. To this end, ING trains, tests and observes volunteer speakers on their knowledge of the content they present and their understanding of their role in the classroom. As part of their education, OISM speakers are trained to uphold the ideals and principles of the First Amendment and pledge to:

Provide an academic view of Islam’s place and impact on world history as one of the major religions studied.
Honor the trust of the host organization and provide education about religion within the contexts of world history and social sciences.
Provide accurate and balanced information relating to Islam and the Muslim world.

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