This document discusses the issue of prayer in public schools. It notes that while prayer is allowed and protected as free speech, requiring prayer such as with Christian prayers each day could make some students who do not follow Christianity feel forced into practicing a religion they do not follow. The document reviews several court rulings around prayer in schools from the 1940s to today and examines the debate around the place of religious expression and prayer in public schools.
School prayer in public schools is banned by the First Amendment's Establishment Clause which prohibits the government establishment of religion. While some argue prayer provides benefits, others argue it coercively influences impressionable students and interferes with religious freedom. An amendment was proposed to allow school prayer but failed as it would undermine the First Amendment by allowing coercion of student prayer. A reasonable middle ground allows for student-led moments of silence or reflection if desired for prayer. The document questions if lack of prayer in schools relates to social issues but does not take a stance.
The document discusses Christian rights and expression in public education according to the First Amendment. It provides context on the intent of the First Amendment to prevent establishment of religion while protecting religious freedom. It summarizes key court cases that have established guidelines allowing for individual expression but prohibiting school-endorsed or -led prayer and religious activities. Teachers are limited in discussing their personal faith with students but can discuss objectively different religious beliefs.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How this affects students, teachers and parents remains an ongoing discussion, and the issue will likely continue being debated with cases brought before the Supreme Court.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How this impacts students, teachers and schools remains an ongoing conversation, as individuals regularly challenge related cases in the Supreme Court.
The document analyzes the impact of the Lemon v. Kurtzman Supreme Court decision over 35 years. [1] The Lemon decision established the three-prong "Lemon test" for determining if government actions violate the establishment clause regarding religion. [2] The test has remained the precedent for public school religion cases, though the Supreme Court has expanded its interpretation at times. [3] Dissenting opinions have emerged questioning the usefulness of the Lemon test and suggesting the Court may be moving toward a more flexible approach.
Este documento lista alguns dos álbuns mais influentes do death metal lançados entre 1988 e 1992, incluindo obras seminais de bandas como Death, Morbid Angel, Entombed, Obituary e Cannibal Corpse. Menciona vários clássicos de cada álbum que ajudaram a definir o som e a evolução do gênero naquele período.
This document discusses the issue of prayer in public schools. It notes that while prayer is allowed and protected as free speech, requiring prayer such as with Christian prayers each day could make some students who do not follow Christianity feel forced into practicing a religion they do not follow. The document reviews several court rulings around prayer in schools from the 1940s to today and examines the debate around the place of religious expression and prayer in public schools.
School prayer in public schools is banned by the First Amendment's Establishment Clause which prohibits the government establishment of religion. While some argue prayer provides benefits, others argue it coercively influences impressionable students and interferes with religious freedom. An amendment was proposed to allow school prayer but failed as it would undermine the First Amendment by allowing coercion of student prayer. A reasonable middle ground allows for student-led moments of silence or reflection if desired for prayer. The document questions if lack of prayer in schools relates to social issues but does not take a stance.
The document discusses Christian rights and expression in public education according to the First Amendment. It provides context on the intent of the First Amendment to prevent establishment of religion while protecting religious freedom. It summarizes key court cases that have established guidelines allowing for individual expression but prohibiting school-endorsed or -led prayer and religious activities. Teachers are limited in discussing their personal faith with students but can discuss objectively different religious beliefs.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How this affects students, teachers and parents remains an ongoing discussion, and the issue will likely continue being debated with cases brought before the Supreme Court.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How this impacts students, teachers and schools remains an ongoing conversation, as individuals regularly challenge related cases in the Supreme Court.
The document analyzes the impact of the Lemon v. Kurtzman Supreme Court decision over 35 years. [1] The Lemon decision established the three-prong "Lemon test" for determining if government actions violate the establishment clause regarding religion. [2] The test has remained the precedent for public school religion cases, though the Supreme Court has expanded its interpretation at times. [3] Dissenting opinions have emerged questioning the usefulness of the Lemon test and suggesting the Court may be moving toward a more flexible approach.
Este documento lista alguns dos álbuns mais influentes do death metal lançados entre 1988 e 1992, incluindo obras seminais de bandas como Death, Morbid Angel, Entombed, Obituary e Cannibal Corpse. Menciona vários clássicos de cada álbum que ajudaram a definir o som e a evolução do gênero naquele período.
El documento presenta la creación de una empresa de servicios informáticos llamada "Zona Informática" en Tacna, Perú. La empresa fue fundada el 3 de octubre de 2016 por cuatro socios y ofrece servicios de reparación de computadoras, actualización de software e instalación de programas a la comunidad local. Su visión es convertirse en líder de servicios tecnológicos a nivel nacional para 2021 a través de la calidad e innovación continua.
The document discusses several models of quality awards including the Deming Prize from Japan which recognizes corporations and individuals for statistical theory contributions, the Malcolm Baldrige award from the US Congress to honor companies excelling in quality achievement and management, the European Quality Award to recognize exceptional attention to total quality, and national quality awards that evaluate companies using criteria like leadership, strategic planning and customer focus.
The document discusses symbols and foods of Pakistan. The flag of Pakistan features a moon and stars in green, symbolizing Islam. A favorite food is samosas, which are made from flour and can contain meat, potatoes, or prawns and have a spring roll-like taste. Fruit salads are also mentioned as being fresh and containing several kinds of fruits.
Softwares libres de estrategias de manejo de informaciónWilfredoMoreZ
Este documento describe varios softwares libres relacionados con estrategias de manejo de información, incluyendo CMAP Tools, OpenOffice Draw, Microsoft PowerPoint, Cronos, XMind, Flying Logic Professional, Edraw Max e iMindMap. Cada uno se especializa en un tipo diferente de diagrama o herramienta visual como mapas conceptuales, diagramas de flujo, líneas de tiempo y diagramas causa-efecto.
LLED 469 Resource Based Teaching and Learning. What are the challenges and the benefits of collaborative planning and co-teaching inquiry-based units of study?
O documento lista 10 álbuns fundamentais de grindcore, incluindo Repulsion - Horrified (1989), considerado o álbum definidor do género, Napalm Death - Scum (1987), que apresentou um estilo agressivo e chocante, e Terrorizer - World Downfall (1989), projeto de membros dos Morbid Angel e Napalm Death.
This document discusses hypertext and multimedia. Hypertext allows users to navigate non-linearly through interconnected texts by clicking on links that are often colored blue. It facilitates easy, efficient, and memorable navigation for users. Multimedia incorporates graphics, animations, sounds, video and more to enrich the user experience beyond just text. This stimulates multiple senses to allow for more rapid understanding of information and distance education opportunities.
O documento lista 10 álbuns fundamentais de grindcore, incluindo Repulsion - Horrified (1989), considerado o álbum definidor do género, Napalm Death - Scum (1987), que apresentou um estilo agressivo e chocante, e Terrorizer - World Downfall (1989), projeto de membros dos Morbid Angel e Napalm Death.
This document discusses different approaches to language teaching, including grammar translation, audio-lingualism, cognitive-code, the direct method, the natural approach, total physical response, and suggestopedia. It provides characteristics of each method and notes their similarities and differences. The document also mentions alternatives to methods like conversation, pleasure reading, and using subject matter for language teaching, as well as the importance of testing and materials in language acquisition.
This document discusses a retail analytics solution implemented by DeFacto, a Turkish clothing brand with over 300 stores globally. DeFacto wanted to increase sales and profits but lacked insights into customer behavior beyond basic sales data. The solution involved deploying over 1,000 counting devices to track customer traffic and hot spots. This provided key performance indicators and allowed DeFacto to optimize strategies, increasing conversion rates and revenues by 27%. The analytics solution has helped DeFacto benchmark performance across stores and make data-driven decisions.
Este documento lista alguns dos álbuns mais influentes de death metal lançados entre 1988 e 1992, incluindo obras seminais de bandas como Death, Morbid Angel, Entombed, Obituary e Cannibal Corpse. Menciona vários clássicos de cada álbum que são considerados fundamentais para o desenvolvimento do gênero.
Want to know how programming works? how it helps the human being with their everyday work? well you can easily find the answers to those questions that are in your minds. Programming, well it is a kind of software that can make games, applications, movies and a lot more. For a start, programming can help us students with our home works and such stuffs. and now, we can learn more about the different languages used in programming, program life cycle, rules and symbols used and its level. Let us discover how programming works!
Dokumen tersebut membahas tentang keragaman kenampakan alam dan buatan serta pembagian waktu di Indonesia. Terdapat penjelasan mengenai berbagai kenampakan alam seperti pegunungan, gunung
The document provides guidance on religion in public schools. It discusses several issues including voluntary student prayer, student-initiated classroom prayer, student proselytization, religious content in homework, religious exemptions, religious books in curriculum, religious holiday observances, and student garb/religious symbols. The general principles are that students have rights to religious expression as long as it does not endorse or promote religion or substantially disrupt school activities. School policies must be neutral towards religion.
El documento presenta la creación de una empresa de servicios informáticos llamada "Zona Informática" en Tacna, Perú. La empresa fue fundada el 3 de octubre de 2016 por cuatro socios y ofrece servicios de reparación de computadoras, actualización de software e instalación de programas a la comunidad local. Su visión es convertirse en líder de servicios tecnológicos a nivel nacional para 2021 a través de la calidad e innovación continua.
The document discusses several models of quality awards including the Deming Prize from Japan which recognizes corporations and individuals for statistical theory contributions, the Malcolm Baldrige award from the US Congress to honor companies excelling in quality achievement and management, the European Quality Award to recognize exceptional attention to total quality, and national quality awards that evaluate companies using criteria like leadership, strategic planning and customer focus.
The document discusses symbols and foods of Pakistan. The flag of Pakistan features a moon and stars in green, symbolizing Islam. A favorite food is samosas, which are made from flour and can contain meat, potatoes, or prawns and have a spring roll-like taste. Fruit salads are also mentioned as being fresh and containing several kinds of fruits.
Softwares libres de estrategias de manejo de informaciónWilfredoMoreZ
Este documento describe varios softwares libres relacionados con estrategias de manejo de información, incluyendo CMAP Tools, OpenOffice Draw, Microsoft PowerPoint, Cronos, XMind, Flying Logic Professional, Edraw Max e iMindMap. Cada uno se especializa en un tipo diferente de diagrama o herramienta visual como mapas conceptuales, diagramas de flujo, líneas de tiempo y diagramas causa-efecto.
LLED 469 Resource Based Teaching and Learning. What are the challenges and the benefits of collaborative planning and co-teaching inquiry-based units of study?
O documento lista 10 álbuns fundamentais de grindcore, incluindo Repulsion - Horrified (1989), considerado o álbum definidor do género, Napalm Death - Scum (1987), que apresentou um estilo agressivo e chocante, e Terrorizer - World Downfall (1989), projeto de membros dos Morbid Angel e Napalm Death.
This document discusses hypertext and multimedia. Hypertext allows users to navigate non-linearly through interconnected texts by clicking on links that are often colored blue. It facilitates easy, efficient, and memorable navigation for users. Multimedia incorporates graphics, animations, sounds, video and more to enrich the user experience beyond just text. This stimulates multiple senses to allow for more rapid understanding of information and distance education opportunities.
O documento lista 10 álbuns fundamentais de grindcore, incluindo Repulsion - Horrified (1989), considerado o álbum definidor do género, Napalm Death - Scum (1987), que apresentou um estilo agressivo e chocante, e Terrorizer - World Downfall (1989), projeto de membros dos Morbid Angel e Napalm Death.
This document discusses different approaches to language teaching, including grammar translation, audio-lingualism, cognitive-code, the direct method, the natural approach, total physical response, and suggestopedia. It provides characteristics of each method and notes their similarities and differences. The document also mentions alternatives to methods like conversation, pleasure reading, and using subject matter for language teaching, as well as the importance of testing and materials in language acquisition.
This document discusses a retail analytics solution implemented by DeFacto, a Turkish clothing brand with over 300 stores globally. DeFacto wanted to increase sales and profits but lacked insights into customer behavior beyond basic sales data. The solution involved deploying over 1,000 counting devices to track customer traffic and hot spots. This provided key performance indicators and allowed DeFacto to optimize strategies, increasing conversion rates and revenues by 27%. The analytics solution has helped DeFacto benchmark performance across stores and make data-driven decisions.
Este documento lista alguns dos álbuns mais influentes de death metal lançados entre 1988 e 1992, incluindo obras seminais de bandas como Death, Morbid Angel, Entombed, Obituary e Cannibal Corpse. Menciona vários clássicos de cada álbum que são considerados fundamentais para o desenvolvimento do gênero.
Want to know how programming works? how it helps the human being with their everyday work? well you can easily find the answers to those questions that are in your minds. Programming, well it is a kind of software that can make games, applications, movies and a lot more. For a start, programming can help us students with our home works and such stuffs. and now, we can learn more about the different languages used in programming, program life cycle, rules and symbols used and its level. Let us discover how programming works!
Dokumen tersebut membahas tentang keragaman kenampakan alam dan buatan serta pembagian waktu di Indonesia. Terdapat penjelasan mengenai berbagai kenampakan alam seperti pegunungan, gunung
The document provides guidance on religion in public schools. It discusses several issues including voluntary student prayer, student-initiated classroom prayer, student proselytization, religious content in homework, religious exemptions, religious books in curriculum, religious holiday observances, and student garb/religious symbols. The general principles are that students have rights to religious expression as long as it does not endorse or promote religion or substantially disrupt school activities. School policies must be neutral towards religion.
Professorial Roles
Dr. Kritsonis has served in professorial roles at Central Washington University, Washington; Salisbury State University, Maryland; Northwestern State University, Louisiana; McNeese State University, Louisiana; and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge in the Department of Administrative and Foundational Services.
In 2006, Dr. Kritsonis published two articles in the Two-Volume Set of the Encyclopedia of Educational Leadership and Administration published by SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, California. He is a National Reviewer for the Journal of Research on Leadership, University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA).
In 2007, Dr. Kritsonis was invited to write a history and philosophy of education for the ABC-CLIO Encyclopedia of World History.
Currently, Dr. Kritsonis is Professor of Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University – Member of the Texas A&M University System. He teaches in the PhD Program in Educational Leadership. Dr. Kritsonis taught the Inaugural class session in the doctoral program at the start of the fall 2004 academic year. In October 2006, Dr. Kritsonis chaired the first doctoral student to earn a PhD in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University. He has chaired over 18 doctoral dissertations. He lives in Houston, Texas.
The document summarizes a court case involving a school district's policy requiring students transferring from a non-accredited private religious school to pass proficiency tests to receive academic credits. Sarah Hubbard and her parents sued the school district claiming the policy violated their religious freedom and equal protection rights. However, the court found the policy did not discriminate and was rationally related to the legitimate interest of validating credits. The court upheld the school district's policy and academic authority. Pending state legislation could impact school districts' authority over academic and religious matters.
The document summarizes a court case involving a school district's policy requiring students transferring from a non-accredited private religious school to pass proficiency tests to receive academic credits. Sarah Hubbard and her parents sued the school district after Sarah was required to take tests to receive credits for her courses at the non-accredited Upper Room Christian Academy. The court granted summary judgment for the school district, finding that the policy did not violate the students' religious rights and was rationally related to the legitimate interest of validating credits. The implications of a proposed state religious freedom law on school district authority are also discussed.
The document summarizes a court case involving a public school district's policy on awarding credits from non-accredited religious institutions. Sarah Hubbard attended a non-accredited Christian school for 3.5 years and then enrolled in the district's high school. The district's policy required proficiency tests to receive credits for courses at non-accredited schools. Hubbard and her parents sued claiming religious discrimination, but the facts did not support their claims. The court upheld the district's policy, finding it did not burden religious freedom and was rationally related to educational interests. Proposed state legislation could impact school districts' authority over issues involving religious exemptions if it passes.
This document summarizes a court case, Hall (Litigation guardian of) v. Powers, regarding whether Marc Hall, a gay Catholic high school student, could bring his boyfriend to the school prom. The school principal and board denied Hall's request, citing Catholic teachings. Hall argued this violated his Charter rights. The court considered arguments around religious freedom and discrimination. It found Hall presented a serious legal issue around whether denying him the ability to bring his boyfriend violated his right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation.
The document provides instructions for an assignment requiring students to summarize how the First Amendment impacted a landmark Supreme Court case. Students are asked to choose Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state laws establishing racially segregated public schools to be unconstitutional. The case overturned the separate but equal doctrine and paved the way for desegregation of public schools. Students then must list two recent Supreme Court cases relating to the First Amendment, such as John Doe #1 v. Reed regarding disclosure of referendum petition signers and Christian Legal Society v. Martinez concerning public university non-discrimination policies.
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, School Law, Use of School Facilities, Religous Rights of Teachers, Religous Freedom of Expression, Religous Rights in Schooling, Due Process, Freedom of Expression, School Prayers, Termination, Due Process
This document summarizes the legal framework around religion in public schools according to court rulings and legislation. It discusses key Supreme Court cases that established religion cannot be established by law and there must be separation of church and state, but that individuals have the right to free exercise of religion. It also examines contemporary issues in Texas schools around topics like school prayer, wearing religious symbols, and student religious groups having equal access to facilities. The goal across rulings is for schools to maintain religious neutrality while protecting individual religious freedom and expression.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its role in activities like sports are handled continues to be an area of debate and future court cases.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How this impacts students, teachers and schools remains an ongoing conversation, as individuals regularly challenge related cases in the Supreme Court.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
This document discusses the ongoing debate around prayer in public schools and whether it violates the First Amendment. It provides background on key court cases such as Engel v. Vitale in 1962 that examined prayer in schools. While religion is governed by the First Amendment, courts have ruled schools must remain neutral toward religion. As a result, treatment of prayer differs between public and private schools. How student-initiated prayer and its presence at school sports events is handled also affects students, teachers, and parents. The future direction remains unclear as the Supreme Court occasionally hears new cases on the issue but often refuses to make further rulings.
The document discusses the separation of church and state through three cases. It explains that the phrase was originally written in a letter by Thomas Jefferson and details a Supreme Court case, McCollum v. Board of Education, that established religious classes in public schools violated the Establishment Clause. A third case discusses teachers in Florida facing prison for saying a prayer during their lunch break.
The document summarizes three Supreme Court cases:
1) Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. Homer Plessy was arrested for sitting in the white car of a train. The Court ruled racial segregation did not violate the 13th or 14th Amendments as long as facilities were equal.
2) New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) established the standard that school officials need reasonable suspicion, not probable cause, to conduct searches of students. A student's purse was searched for cigarettes and drugs were found.
3) Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988
Similar to Supreme Court considers public school use. (20)
1. Supreme Court considers public school use.
Others will take the position that the Supreme Court has taken too separationist a view of the place
of religion in the public schools.
The decision in Milford will probably divide Americans like the more than 40 other decisions of the
Supreme Court on religion. The scarcity of such courses is attributable both to the nervousness of
school superintendents and the lack of teachers qualified to give objective courses.
It is likely in the Good News case that there are five votes to reverse the lower court and allow
religious groups to use the premises of public schools after hours. Americans United for the
Separation of Church and State supported that unanimous ruling but say that the ruling does not
apply to the current case because the Good News Club wants to use the public school immediately
after classes and seeks to proselytize very young grade-school children.
A similar Good News Club did win a decision from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 split
that allowed the religious group to use the schools in the city of Ladue, Mo. In his opinion he denied
that the group simply advocates the development of character as the Boy Scouts do. If the Supreme
Court allows a religious organization to use public schools for instruction in religion and devotional
exercises, the consequences will be significant. All rights reserved.
. Such a decision will reverse the thrust of the 1948 McCollum decision, which made it clear that
students in public schools are not to be divided along the lines of their religious affiliation or the lack
of any connection with religion. Some will argue with Thomas Jefferson that the separation of
religion and government should be firm. The decision said that federal and New York law give no
right to religious groups to use a public school building to conduct their services. A careful and
deliberate decision was made by Congress to limit the privileges made available by the act to high
schools. Milford Central School is being sought by the Rutherford Institute and by religious
broadcaster Pat Robertson. More practically, the attendance of a large number of students at
sectarian classes after the school day ends can disrupt the schedule of buses and sports.
If the Supreme Court denies the request of the Good News Club to use the facilities of public school
premises, Congress might consider legislation to extend the Equal Access Act to students younger
than those in high school. Darleen Fournier, the wife of the pastor of the Milford Center Community
Bible Church, asked permission to use the premises of the one school building after classes.
Supreme Court that the right to free speech and assembly favor the Good News Club.
The dissenting judge referred to a Supreme Court decision in 1990 that ruled unanimously that
religious groups have the right to use public schools after hours if other community groups have
been granted access. The act is restricted to students only; under the statute a minister of religion
may join the group only occasionally.
A reversal of the lower courts in Good News Club vs.
Decision may be divisive for elementary students if it reverses 1948 ruling on religious instruction
On Feb. The Supreme Court sustained the Equal Access Act.
The case advanced by the Good News Club has been used for years by several groups that claim the
2. public school has become too secular and even antireligious because there is no place for instruction
in religion.
The claim has a superficial appeal but it is not based in facts. The hour-long meetings for children in
the first to the fifth grades of school were described by the judge as clearly religious, sometimes
leading to the children declaring themselves "saved." McAvoy also denied the claim that the free
speech privileges of the church were curbed.
The appeals court sustained the ruling of the lower court, with one dissent. The court warned then
that religion cannot constitutionally be advanced by the government and that separating students on
the basis of their faith or lack of it can be divisive.
If religious groups, contrary to the spirit and even the letter of the McCollum decision, are allowed
to use classrooms after the school day ends, certain problematic situations will arise. In the South
and Southwest, Baptists and other denominations can put subtle pressure on parents and students
to sign up. The sponsoring groups will be able to use loudspeaker systems to remind children of very
young ages to attend the activities. The American Civil Liberties Union and its allies will be arguing
that the federal courts in New York got it right.
Devout believers will be on both sides of the case. The school board denied the request of the Good
News Club.
A lawsuit brought by Fournier on behalf of her 7-year-old daughter, Andrea, was rejected by federal
Judge Thomas McAvoy. But even if Congress follows such a course, the result would not fit the
practices of the Good News Club. Courses that teach religion objectively are not prohibited and
indeed are encouraged. This can divide a school along religious lines. Robert Drinan is a professor at
Georgetown University Law Center. 28, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a
case from upstate New York involving the question of whether a Christian Evangelical church has a
constitutional right to use a room in a public school for religious instruction and prayer after the
regular school program has concluded for the day.
A federal court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York have sustained the denial of
the right by school officials to the Good News Club.
The Good News Club in Milford, N.Y., is a unit of the National Christian Youth Organization, which
seeks to bring the gospel to children between the ages of 6 and 12. The minority view reasoned from
certain decisions of the U.S. Even moments of silent prayer were disapproved.
In 1983 Congress passed the Equal Access Act, which allows high school students to meet to read
the Bible during hours designated for extracurricular activities. The decision will deserve the close
attention of everyone concerned with the orientation of America's public schools.
Jesuit Fr. The ruling was validated 6-3 in 1952 in the Zorach decision.
The Bible and prayers in public schools were outlawed by the Supreme Court in the early 1960s. She
argued that since the Scouts, the Girl Scouts and 4-H Club were able to use classrooms in Milford,
her Bible class should have the same privilege. When the Supreme Court forbade the Bible in 1961,
the court made it clear, in the opinion of Justice Thomas Clark, that public schools have a right and
indeed an educational duty to teach about religion. In that year the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in the
McCollum decision that release time religious instruction could not be held on the premises of public
schools. The court in this case said that the city had created an open forum and that consequently
3. viewpoint discrimination is not permitted.
Religious instruction in the public school has occupied the Supreme Court since 1948. There were
some 3 million children receiving such instruction in public schools at that time. His e-mail address
is drinan@law.georgetown.edu
COPYRIGHT 2001 National Catholic Reporter
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the
copyright holder.
Copyright 2001 Gale, Cengage Learning