Opponents of non-state schooling--especially faith-based schools--contend that society is fragile, constantly in danger of splintering along ethnic, social class, and religious lines, and that only the common public school operated by government can create national unity and mutual tolerance. Confessional schools are a constant threat to the national project and to social harmony, in this view. In fact, however, the concern that children and youth who attend confessional schools will be anti-social, intolerant, or disloyal has no serious empirical basis and has been discredited by both current research and historical experience. What is a danger to social peace is the effort to force all children into a single mold through a monopolistic system of state schooling. However good the intentions, this violates the most fundamental rights of parents and produces schools which, lacking flavor and character, are commonly ineffective as well.