Title: First Amendment Lesson Plan: Religion in public schools | The Free Speech Center
Headings: First Amendment Lesson Plan: Religion in public schools
First Amendment Lesson Plan: Religion in public schools
Content: Situation B. Administrators at South High School, fearful of complaints and lawsuits stemming from mentions of religion in public school, declare that any expression of religious belief or faith on school grounds is forbidden. Students who have been gathering each morning to pray before school are told that they may no longer do so or risk suspension. Students also may not pray alone, silently or otherwise, or discuss their faith with others on campus. Bibles, Korans and other religious texts are barred from classrooms. A group of parents of several faiths object to the new policy, saying it is an unconstitutional restriction of religious freedom under the First Amendment. Key concepts
The religion-related clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution are highlighted here: “ 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.” (Situation A.) Under the “establishment” clause of the First Amendment, and in line with U.S. Supreme Court rulings, public schools may not impose prayer or other religious practices on students, even if students are not required to participate.