Discusses legal issues concerning the First Amendment rights of Amish and Mennonite students and parents. Focuses on court decisions that upheld their rights of religious liberty and reviews the origins of their beliefs. Contends that most of the government decisions regarding religion and education reflect a fundamental respect for the religious…

The first amendment does not either require or permit government to threaten religiously affiliated colleges and universities with reduced eligibility for public funding in the event of increased religious control over institutional governance or academic functions. However, government may decline to fund education at "pervasively sectarian"…

Voucher advocates won a major victory when the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that Milwaukee's voucher program passed constitutional muster. Summarizes the majority opinion. Points out that whether voucher programs represent prudent public policy is a political question to be addressed by voters and legislation. (MLF)

This teaching guide provides methods for integrating the study of law and citizenship into chronologically based U.S. History courses for elementary students. Correlated with the Illinois State Goals for Learning and the Learning Outcomes of the Chicago Public Schools as well as with national standards projects, the lessons encourage critical…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" reviews major federal and state court cases dealing with fiscal equalization of state school support programs and summarizes and discusses the major legal issues that were addressed. The major federal cases include "McInnis v. Shapiro,""Burrus v. Wilkerson," and "Van Dusartz v. Hatfield,"…

Providing a link between constitutional scholars and the planners of school and public programs observing the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, this series of the Bicentennial Chronicles features articles that provide a link between scholars of the Constitution and the people who will be planning programs for the public and for the…

This booklet contains 15 lessons to infuse the study of law and citizenship education into an eighth grade social studies curriculum. The lessons are designed to encourage inquiry among the students and to use community resource people, particularly attorneys. Through these lessons, teachers can build support for democratic values, while students…

The First Amendment free speech right is one of the most frequently asserted constitutional challenges to dismissal or discipline of a school district employee. In any employee's claim of violation of free speech right by a public employer, a threefold process of review should be made: (1) Was the conduct in question constitutionally protected in…

Even though the first citizens of the United States were skeptical about singular authority, the Constitution gave the president independent authority and strong powers. But as chief executive, he would be responsible to the people for the exercise of those powers. The modern presidency is a product of 200 years of growth and experience, yet much…

A district court decision that the firing of a bisexual counselor violated free speech and equal protection of the law was reversed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although the United States Supreme Court declined to review the case, Justices Brennan and Marshall wrote dissenting opinions claiming unresolved constitutional issues. (MLF)

How the law deals with the question of "Should students have rights in school?" is examined. One specific area of possible rights in schools--the question of searches of students by school officials--is discussed in depth. (RM)

Using a simulation of the constitutional procedures on appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices, illustrates how the separation of powers established by the Constitution affects all three branches of government. Provides an outline of the simulation procedure, a lesson plan, and a brief bibliography. (LS)

A review of court litigation and federal regulatory action explores the prevalence of discrimination in higher education, and it is suggested that race-exclusive scholarships can be used and defended as a means of eliminating vestiges of discrimination that hinder the access of minorities to postsecondary educational opportunities. (Author/MSE)

Although religious beliefs of college students opposing abortion may be sincere, they must yield to the institution's need to decide what programs will serve the entire student body's needs. When the Supreme Court rules on a challenge to allocation of mandatory student fees, it will apply principles of religious freedom. (MSE)

Presents a lesson on the Gulf of Tonkin incident during the Vietnam War and the resulting Tonkin Gulf Resolution. Recommends using the resolution as a way of studying the war making powers of the U.S. presidency. Includes excerpts from the Tonkin Gulf Resolution as student readings. (CFR)