Since the Supreme Court's 1992 "Lee v. Weisman" decision, holding that the First Amendment's establishment clause precluded school-sponsored graduation prayers, school officials have struggled to avoid lawsuits while satisfying community preferences. Efforts to circumvent this decision have resulted in "noncoercive"…

Prayer at school-sponsored events became significant issue in many communities, in wake of Supreme Court's decision in "Lee v. Weisman.""Phi Delta Kappan" survey was conducted to discover how school districts handled graduation prayer. Of 1,491 responding districts, 46% included some form of prayer at formal commencement…

In "Lee" the Supreme Court determined that "including clergy who offer prayers as part of an official public school graduation is forbidden by the Establishment Clause." Confusion arises over whether the Court decision determined "what" cannot be done or "who" cannot do it. Surveyed 10 Kentucky school…

Discusses the boundaries of the Supreme Court's decision in "Lee" that relied on the factors of direction and coercion. Analyzes three lower court rulings regarding graduation prayers. Advises state legislatures and local school districts not to sponsor any student religious activity at graduation time. (97 footnotes) (MLF)

Critically examines and responds to the persistent argument by religionists that high school graduation prayer is somehow constitutional despite "Lee versus Weisman." Addresses the loopholes advocated and concludes that the courts have clearly rejected each of them. (183 footnotes) (MLF)

Last May, the full 11th Circuit Court upheld a school board policy in Duval County, Fla., that permits graduating senior to select a student volunteer to deliver an uncensored "message" during graduation ceremonies. Argues the title, historical context, and content of the policy clearly suggest that school officials sought a way to…

Explores the background of the "Lee" case, in which the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 decision, declared that graduation prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Cites implications of the Supreme Court for future Establishment Clause cases. (54 footnotes) (MLF)

Although major cases involving religion in public schools were decided decades ago, disputes still arise over interpreting the First Amendment's establishment clause. Formally inviting clergy to pray at high school graduation ceremonies is clearly not permissible, but the law is unsettled regarding student-initiated and student-led nonsectarian…

Argues that graduation prayer is unconstitutional because it violates the Establishment Clause, but the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment entitles a valedictorian giving a commencement speech to discuss religion and even to express religious beliefs as the student's own, private beliefs. Summarizes court decisions. (MLF)

Discusses reasons why the "Lee v. Weisman" Supreme Court decision that held unconstitutional a Rhode Island school policy for prayer at a junior high school commencement does not extend to the university level. Concludes that an appropriately worded commencement prayer could pass the three-part "Lemon" threshold and not violate…

In "Lee," the Supreme Court held that prayer directed by a school official at graduation ceremonies was unconstitutional. Examines "Lee" and two subsequent decisions by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals: "Jones v. Clear Creek ISD" allowed prayer initiated by students; "Doe v. Duncanville ISD" prohibited a…

Fragmented federal court decisions about graduation prayer and the strong public interest in this issue call for the Supreme Court to step in to clarify the law. Summarizes court decisions on this topic. (MLF)

Considers the legal implications of "Lee," a closely divided Supreme Court decision that ended the practice of graduation prayers. Summarizes the majority opinions of Justices Kennedy, Blackmun, and Souter and the dissenting opinion of Justice Scalia. Analyzes the potential impact of "Lee" on future cases involving religion and…

The United States Supreme Court, in the case of "Lee v. Weisman," held that inviting clergy to deliver prayer during an official public-school graduation ceremony violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. Discusses the "Lee" decision and addresses some of its possible implications for school law. (80 references)…

Responding to student recitation of the Lord's Prayer at a high school graduation, recounts how religious differences can create difficulties and discomfort for students in public schools. Argues the right of the minority must be protected from a majority who wishes to promote their religious beliefs at taxpayer expense. (DB)