Argues that nowhere is it more important to address religious diversity than in the public schools--the principal institution charged with enabling Americans to live with their deepest differences. Discusses the First Amendment and how the American press is handling religion. Addresses religious liberty in schools and religious liberty rights of…

Contends that the issue of whether public school teachers may wear religious garb while teaching is no longer a debatable topic. Argues that wearing religious garb may unduly influence students and therefore violates the separation of church and state. Concludes that teachers must set an example of tolerance and should not wear religious garb…

Discusses the case of Muslim and Sikh teachers who were dismissed because they refused to refrain from wearing traditional religious clothing at school. Reviews religious garb statutes in several states in relation to First Amendment rights and a pluralistic society. Concludes that religious dress is protected by freedom of expression guarantees.…

Discusses legal issues concerning the First Amendment rights of Amish and Mennonite students and parents. Focuses on court decisions that upheld their rights of religious liberty and reviews the origins of their beliefs. Contends that most of the government decisions regarding religion and education reflect a fundamental respect for the religious…

The Williamsburg Charter Foundation is a group a leaders from business, academic, political, and religious communities concerned about the importance of the First Amendment's guarantee of religious liberty in public life and about the ability of people to live together in a spirit of civility despite deep religious differences. This document is a…

When the debate heats up over the separation of church and state issue board members need to be keenly aware of the fine line that exists between promoting nonreligious activities in school and encouraging an antireligious sentiment. Ten reminders are given for board members and administrators to remember when addressing the issue of religion in…

Explores whether public schools can accommodate the religious needs of Muslim students. Provides background information on the migration of Muslims to the United States from the Middle East and on Islamic beliefs and practices. Identifies the various needs and challenges in adapting the schools to fit Muslim students' lifestyle and religious…

The U.S. experiment in religious liberty has enormous significance for the United States and for the world. The challenging dilemma of living with the deepest religious differences, as it is currently being met in the United States, is explored in this essay. The point that U.S. success or failure in attempts to deal with religious liberty has…

Discusses "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools" (Tennessee), a case involving a controversial reading textbook offending fundamentalist parents of six middle school children. The Court of Appeals reversed a district court ruling, holding that uniform use of the Holt textbook was not essential to the state's goals to teach reading.…

Nineteenth-century common schools offered no course about religion or its role in American society. Moral education up through the mid-20th century embodied a kind of generalized Christianity. If universalized versions of the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments prevail, educators should reconsider the merits of common-school philosophy. Contains…

The religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States are the most important political decision for religious liberty and public justice in history. Two hundred years after their enactment, they stand out boldly in a century darkened by state repression and sectarian conflict. The controversy now surrounding…

Suggests five guidelines that can be used by teachers and local school district policy committees to accommodate the religious diversity of students while meeting the five historic goals of public schools. Points out emerging issues facing those concerned about religion and First Amendment rights of students and parents. (LS)

The Williamsburg Charter is a celebration and reaffirmation of the religious liberty, or freedom of conscience, granted by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It was drafted and signed by more that 150 national leaders and presented to the nation on June 25, 1988, the 200th anniversary of Virginia's call for a bill of rights.…

The common ground approach to religion in public schools includes government neutrality toward religion and provides an equitable civic framework for all groups. Schools are legally obligated to accommodate students' religious needs whenever possible. This article presents guidelines about what teachers and students can and cannot do in certain…

Examines the current relationship between religious liberty and U.S. democracy. Presents a proposal to reforge the U.S. public philosophy according to the notion of chartered pluralism that celebrates the diversity embodied in the First Amendment. Ties this to the conflict between communitarianism and libertarianism. (DB)