Title: Religion in Public Schools | Lawyers.com
Headings: Religion in Public Schools
Religion in Public Schools
Prayer in School: Personal vs. School-Sponsored
Prayers and Religious Expression by Student Speakers at School Events
School Celebrations of Religious Holidays
Religion in the Classroom and in Homework
No Discrimination Against Religious Literature or Clubs
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Content: Religion in Public Schools | Lawyers.com
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Religion in Public Schools
Public schools may not promote religion, but they must allow students to practice their faith. Learn how the both sides of religious liberty affect prayers at school, students' expression of their faith, religious holiday displays, and more. By E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
Updated: Feb 5th, 2019
Freedom of religion, guaranteed under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, has two parts: Government may not either promote religion (the “establishment clause”) or prevent people from practicing their religion (the “free-exercise clause”). The U.S. Supreme Court has long recognized that the First Amendment applies to state and local governments—including public schools. But that hasn’t settled the debates about teaching and practicing religion in school. Controversies—whether about prayers at school, teaching religion, religious holiday displays, or students sharing their faith—usually involve a conflict between the free-exercise clause and the establishment clause. Teachers and school officials have to strike a balance between two requirements: making sure the school doesn’t appear to promote one religion over another or sponsor religious expression, and
allowing students to practice their religion, which includes praying and expressing their faith—in class, in homework, in commencement speeches, and to classmates.