In what ways do Jewish and Muslim faith schools in Britain play a role in promoting and contributing to community cohesion? What 21st-century skills around intercultural understanding do they foster? This book examines the nuances of faith in school settings and draws on a case study of Jewish and Muslim faith schools. The authors show how these…

Three federal court decisions dealing with use of public university and public school facilities for student religious activities are outlined. The court decisions illustrate a "capriciousness" in the application of the "public forum" and "impressionable youth" issues and leave many questions unanswered. (MD)

Recent court decisions on student religious groups and the Equal Access Act passed by Congress conflict on interpretation of the Constitution. Until a Supreme Court decision resolves the issues, school boards in jurisdictions affected by the decisions should obey the rulings; others should get legal advice. (MD)

While the courts have said that public schools may not permit extracurricular religious groups to meet at school, Congress's Equal Access Act says that under certain conditions they must. The Supreme Court will review the issue. A copy of the Equal Access Act is provided. (DCS)

Discusses court decisions in relation to the Equal Access Act and provides two sample policies for schools to follow. One limits student activities, and the second allows noncurriculum-related student meetings. (MD)

Censorship in the schools is on the rise, and court decisions in critical cases have not clarified guidelines for protecting student rights. In the face of this storm school officials must be prepared to make decisions that foster serious, contemplative thinking and analysis, irrespective of pressure group actions. (MD)

When the debate heats up over the separation of church and state issue board members need to be keenly aware of the fine line that exists between promoting nonreligious activities in school and encouraging an antireligious sentiment. Ten reminders are given for board members and administrators to remember when addressing the issue of religion in…

Examines the variety of informal groups of adolescents that exist throughout Russia today. Categorizes these groups according to their beliefs and behavior. Maintains that the situation of Russian young people today is a disaster zone. (CFR)

This paper argues that religion should be taught as a separate class in the public schools. Reasons for teaching religion include: (1) religious believes affect human behavior in strong observable ways; (2) churches abound in number throughout the United States; (3) different religions tend to teach a somewhat common core of values while values…

The United States Supreme Court is currently deliberating the case of "Kiryas Joel." At issue is a public school district set up specifically to meet the religious needs of an orthodox Jewish community, as the community defines them. Presents opposing arguments from the New York State School Boards Association and the National Jewish…

"Impressions," a K-6 reading series that is a lavishly illustrated anthology of fairy tales, poems, and classic children's literature has been the target of conservative religious groups. Other books and programs have also been actively opposed. School boards need sound policies for dealing with challenges to the curriculum and the…

Examines questions that continue to be raised by court decisions concerning the Equal Access Act of 1984 regarding the use of school facilities by religious and political groups. Offers some suggestions for school boards and administrators including the need for careful and explicit policies and rules. (MLF)

Civil libertarians and members of more conservative special interest groups have equally legitimate concerns for the educational needs of students attending public schools. The goals and desires of concerned citizens from both sides can be met if neither makes unreasonable demands upon each other. (MD)

The political and religious characteristics of parents in four western states who educate their children at home are examined. The relation of those characteristics to parents' decisions to circumvent state-sponsored education services are also considered. Additional discussion focuses on the relevance of the findings for public policy. The target…

Discusses court decisions on the rights of religious groups to rent public school facilities and to distribute religious literature on public school grounds. Compares decisions and reasoning in U.S. appellate courts and the Supreme Court. Predicts that the relationship between religion and public education will continue to evolve. (DK)