On average, 205,000 U.S. residents report being victims of hate crimes every year, according to Department of Justice (DOJ) officials. Hate crimes, including those motivated by bias against an actual or perceived religion, can have a broader effect than other kinds of violent crimes because they target both the victim and the group the victim…

Provides a fictionalized version of a possible discussion by the justices of the United States Supreme Court prior to their 1986 ruling on a school board member's appeal of a district court opinion permitting a student club to meet on school premises for Bible readings and prayer meetings. (MD)

This book serves both as a reference and as a source book for teaching and for discussion of the issue of the role of religion in education. The author provides a brief review of the background and pivotal decisions of the Supreme Court. Chapter 1 includes background information for understanding the constitutional provisions and introduces some…

Examines case law on the subject of Bible instruction in the public schools, offers a detailed analysis and critique of the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools curriculum, and provides suggestions for public schools contemplating adding a course on the Bible to their curricula. (Contains 89 references.) (Author/PKP)

Analyzes the April 1990 Supreme Court decision that a member of a religion may not challenge, under the First Amendment free exercise clause, a generally applicable criminal law that infringes on a specific religious practice. Discusses political and legal implications for the Native American Church and other minority religions. (SV)

This paper analyzes two parts of the First Amendment, the establishment and free exercise clauses, and discusses related court cases. The establishment clause prohibits the fusion of governmental and religious functions or the dependency of one on the other. The free exercise clause guarantees every person the freedom to choose his or her own…

Reviews three recent Supreme Court decisions affecting public aid to private religious schools. The court found that all three cases violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment. (MD)

In "Crockett v. Sorenson" a voluntary public school Bible class was found unconstitutional because of sectarian control of the program, and guidelines for a constitutional Bible course were suggested. "May v. Cooperman" ruled against the constitutionality of the moment of silence, a question not yet addressed by the Supreme…

Discusses the implementation of Transcendental Meditation courses in public schools and the "Malnak" decision, analyzes judicial efforts to define religion, and develops a framework by which to determine whether given beliefs or practices can be classified as religious. Available from San Diego Law Review, University of San Diego School…

Argues for a substantial neutrality test to replace the absolute separation form of the tripartite test in construing and applying the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Available from Harvard Society for Law and Public Policy, Inc., Langdell Hall, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA 02138; $4.00 per issue. (Author/IRT)

These guidelines, addressing the extent to which religious expression and activity are permitted in public schools, were originally issued in 1995. Changes have been made in the sections on religious excusals and student garb to reflect the Supreme Court decision in "Boerne v. Flores" declaring the Religious Freedom Restoration Act…

This paper discusses the potential impact of a federal bill, H.R. 2797, or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, on public education. A concern is that legislation will be interpreted more strictly than the normally broad constitutional standards, which may result in a lack of support for treating schools differently than other public entities.…

Reviews First Amendment case law and briefly presents the 1985 Supreme Court case findings for Bender vs. Williamsport Area School District which dealt with whether a bible study group could use school property during an organized, school-sponsored activity period. Suggests role playing, group work and discussion activities for classroom use. (JDH)

The history of the argument between evolutionists and theologians is traced in an attempt not only to clarify the differences between the two groups but also to illustrate differences among members within the religious camp. Responses to evolution by liberal and moderate clergy are noted along with Fundamentalist views. (PP)

Describes the development of an effective policy on religion in the schools by the Sioux Falls (Iowa) School District and discusses the factors behind the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to overturn the policy. (PGD)