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
Speaking With a Lawyer

Content: 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. The distinction between those two requirements isn’t always clear, so courts often end up having to resolve fights about religion in schools. Prayer in School: Personal vs. School-Sponsored
In a series of landmark decisions, the Supreme Court ruled that public school teachers and administrators may not lead, organize, or promote prayer in classrooms or at school functions. Most states responded by passing laws that allow or require teachers to start the school day with a moment of silence. Courts have usually upheld these laws if there was a legitimate secular purpose behind them—like helping students focus and prepare for the day—but not if they were meant to return prayer to the classroom.