Traces the legal history of prayer clubs and related religious activities in schools. Cites psychological arguments that high school students are generally independent and capable of critical thinking; contends that research is needed in determining whether high school students can specifically perceive religious neutrality. (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)…

Canadian public education has become secularized. Although the Charter's language on freedom of conscience and religion prohibits religious indoctrination in schools, it does not proscribe education about religion. Generally, Canadian courts have followed and accepted American developments in this regard but have avoided byzantine judgments on…

Reviews litigation and legislation regarding religious influences in public education in the areas of student-led prayer, silent prayer, religious displays, holiday observances, religious exemptions, and challenges to the curriculum. (SK)

This article presents a case study of heart patients who had someone unknowingly praying for them suffered fewer complications. In this article, the author states that the case is used in an introductory biology course for nonmajors at the freshman or sophomore level and is used to evaluate students' understanding of the scientific method. Thus,…

The presidency of George W. Bush has polarized the church-state debate as never before. The Far Right has been emboldened to use religion to govern, while the Far Left has redoubled its efforts to evict religion from public life entirely. Fewer people on the Right seem to respect the church-state separation, and fewer people on the Left seem to…

Examines the constitutionality of public school personnel organizing prayers at extracurricular events and of using ceremonial prayers, invocation, and benedictions at school activities. Reviews court litigation and Supreme Court decisions that use the Establishment Clause and Lemon test to determine legality. Finds, in most cases, that prayer at…

Discusses the issue of school prayer and explains why prayer in any organized, public, and ongoing form is unworkable in what the author views as a post-Christian nation. The article also explores the insufficiency of the 1984 Equal Access Act that requires schools to grant religious student groups the same privileges as nonreligious groups. (GR)

Discusses three cases that occurred during the 1999-2000 Supreme Court term: (1) Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe where public prayers are barred at football games; (2) Boy Scouts v. Dale where a gay scoutmaster was dismissed; and (3) Mitchell v. Helms that questioned the lending of computers to religious schools. (CMK)

Ponders issue of schools, school prayer, and religion. Shows how a teachable moment can promote moral and societal values without imposing specific views of any particular religion. Argues that religious perspectives can and should be part of the study of art, literature, and history, and that books can be used as literary sources linking religion…

The prayer-in-school issue can be very emotional and create an extremely volatile situation if not handled properly. This article argues that coaches and athletic directors must know exactly how they will react to situations that may surface to ensure not only compliance with the law, but to foster an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for…

Charles C. Haynes, religious liberty scholar and leader in the "common ground" movement, explains what guidelines schools should follow to observe the December holidays. Christmas will remain a point of contention, unless communities think about and devise rich ways to treat religious holidays, both academically and otherwise. There is…

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)

Contends that a circuit court ruling prohibiting a student religious group from holding meetings in a public secondary school erodes the intent of the Equal Access Act to provide access for students wishing to exercise religious speech. (MLF)