Then a few weeks later, I mentioned the panel to another friend from the same church. He was in his mid-20s, and an educator in independent Catholic and charter [liberal arts] schools.

He told me that teachers there were expressly forbidden from introducing pop culture references. I mean, it seems nice for a student to share an in-joke with teacher, but is that an inclusive environment and a safe space?

It is never an error to adhere to the curriculum and thus ensure that your class materials engage all the students with cultural and moral sensitivity.