This philosophical study addresses the implications of the legal case "Stratechuk v. Board of Education" ruling that a policy prohibiting the performance of religious-themed holiday music did not violate the United States Constitution. Two questions are investigated: the differences between the classroom study and public performance of…

School leadership is required to navigate difficult issues concerning the religious liberties of their students. December is a month filled with secular and religious holidays. It is the one month on the school calendar filled with joyous cultural celebrations. However, it can also become a quandary for leadership when attempting to balance the…

Teaching the Declaration of Independence can be a challenge. This article presents a lesson plan based on an explication of the title and the first three lines of the Declaration intended to make the American founding era relevant to today's college students. Assuming civic education is a major goal of teaching American Government, assuming…

A study of court cases dealing with church and state conflicts may explain why some teachers avoid teaching about religion rather than risk legal action or misinterpretation of their lessons. However, if students are to receive a complete education, educators must reach some reconciliation between church and state. Instead of skirting religious…

How should public education function within a diverse culture? Because the United States has a traditionally strong Christian heritage, many communities have in the past been comfortable absorbing the holidays and traditions of that heritage into public education. During the month of December, which is especially rich in religious ritual and…

Public school leaders often find themselves caught between groups with passionately held--but widely varying--views regarding the appropriate role for religion in public schools. Tensions are heightened by the growth of well-funded special interest groups inclined to litigate anywhere a test case arises. By reviewing the most recent judicial…

With attention to basic legal issues, teachers can address holidays in meaningful ways. One approach is to organize the study of diverse religious holidays by equinoxes and solstices. This method highlights the connections between religion and science. (SK)

Discusses legal issues related to the celebration of Christmas in public schools. Concludes that schools can display secular symbols of Christmas such as reindeer, elves, and Santa Clause, but not religious ones, such as wise men, angels, and nativity scenes. (PKP)

Examines ways the public schools have approached religion and court cases centering on religion in the schools. Outlines some traps that boards of education should avoid in setting policy on the inclusion of religion and religious holidays in the schools. (IRT)

Besides establishing a dialogue with concerned parents about the school's holiday observance policies, principals should know district policies, check with colleagues in nearby schools, consult teachers, become familiar with school law and court cases, realize that teachers and community members may not agree, develop and publicize a sound policy,…

This speech describes one superintendent's attempt to resolve a community disagreement concerning Christmas concerts held at Manhasset, New York, elementary schools the previous December. The newly appointed superintendent formed a nine-member, blue-ribbon task force, headed by a liberal Catholic, to study existing school district policies and…

Describes what schools may do and must not do in recognizing religious holidays such as Christmas. Suggests several play-it-safe strategies for school boards to avoid community controversy or litigation related to the observance of religious holidays. (PKP)

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…

When problems arose among parents and religious groups over the observance of religious holidays in schools, the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) school board appointed an ad hoc study committee to investigate the issue and make recommendations. The committee represented parents and local businesses and government as well as many local churches and religious…

Courts will uphold school observances of religious holidays only if they are integrated into a secular curriculum designed to teach students about cultural traditions. The court-approved policy of the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) school board, which permits religious celebrations in a broader curricular context, is described. (TE)