The creation vs. evolution debate is one of the longest and most controversial in schools. It has been used by teachers, parents, state representatives and education advisers to support either side of the debate. Conservative Christians have used the debate to assert that their God is the sole creator of all things, and have agitated for religious practices such as Christian prayer in schools. Evolution theory can legally be taught in schools, but recently "academic freedom" bills (2008) have been introduced to encourage teachers and students to reject the theory of evolution. These bills failed, but were largely adopted in the state of Louisiana.
Various studies indicate a strong link between religious intolerance, propaganda and racism. Schools that propagate strong religious views, especially those with a Conservative Christian leaning, risk encouraging racism. Conservative Christianity is largely considered a religion of the white ethnic group, and this view is used to create a divide between Christian whites, Christian non-whites, and non-Christian non-whites. Religious propaganda in schools creates an "us" vs. "them" mindset, which fans racial prejudices.
The use of textbooks is a tool through which different religious groups spread false statements about each other. Christian fundamentalist textbooks have been accused of undermining non-Western religions such as African traditions, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism. These types of books tend to indicate that the lack of material progress among people in some parts of the world is as a result of their religious faith. The texts serve to discourage religious tolerance toward others who have different religious views and opinions.
A lot of religious propaganda in schools revolves around Halloween celebrations. Many public schools in states across the country are debating whether to abolish these celebrations. Other schools have outlawed Halloween on the basis that conservative Christian, Jewish and Islamic parents claim that the holiday dangerously praises the devil. Many students are encouraged to be fearful of the devil, witches and Satanists who are exemplified in Halloween celebrations.