Uses responses to the 1987 "Phi Delta Kappan/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes toward the Public Schools" to point out the possibility that proponents of school prayer may not be interested in religious devotion, but may be seeking the establishment of sectarian religion in public schools. (LS)

Describes the Supreme Court graduation-prayer decision in "Lee v. Weisman" (1992) and implications of the "Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District" case, which the Court decided not to review in 1993. Discusses the New Jersey graduation-prayer experiment and ruling of third District Circuit Court Judge Theodore A.…

This anthology is one of four collections of background readings on church-state issues that comprise "Church, State and the First Amendment: A North Carolina Dialogue." These anthologies are designed to provide primary materials through which North Carolinians can better understand the religion clause of the First Amendment. Volume 4 of…

There is now remarkable agreement on religion's proper constitutional and educational place in public education. A 1995 statement issued by 24 religious and educational groups reaffirms Americans' commitment to First Amendment principles, envisioning civil public schools that neither inculcate nor inhibit religion. Sidebars list resources for…

Outlines current federal Department of Education guidance to public school administrators and teachers on the extent to which religious expression and activities are permitted on school grounds and in the classroom. (ET)

Reviews current Supreme Court doctrine as tested in lower federal and state courts in three areas in which public schools are involved. Examines Court decisions on silent meditation, equal access, and baccalaureate and commencement services. Finds the issues have not been fully resolved. (DB)

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits government (which includes public schools) from imposing religious beliefs and practices in schools. Examines court decisions interpreting the First Amendment, distinguishes state action from private action, and explains the notion of "limited open forum" with regard to…

This teacher's guide is designed to accompany the two-part videotape "One Nation Under God? School Prayer and the First Amendment." The videotape and teacher's guide should help students to: (1) understand the history of freedom of religion and the First Amendment; (2) examine the controversy surrounding school prayer; (3) compare and…

Placing the debate in the United States over amending the Constitution to permit state-sanctioned school prayer in global perspective, this report analyzes the results of a survey of the school prayer policies of 72 countries. The report concludes that the vast majority of the major countries of the world, including Western Europe, Central…

Articles written primarily by practicing school attorneys who represent public school clients are compiled in this publication. Information about how the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First and the Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution affect curriculum, student programs and activities, teacher employment, and school…