According to this document, citizens need to reaffirm their commitment to the guiding principles of the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution. The rights and the responsibilities of the religious liberty clauses provide the civic framework within which individuals are able to debate differences, to understand one another, and to forge public policies that serve the common good in public education. Yet, the statement says that many communities are divided over educational philosophy, school reform, and the role of religion and values in public schools. In the spirit of the First Amendment, the Freedom Forum proposes six civic ground rules for addressing conflicts in public education that deal with: (1) religious liberty for all; (2) the meaning of citizenship; (3) public schools belong to all citizens; (4) religious liberty and public schools; (5) the relationship between parents and schools; and, (6) the conduct of public disputes. Includes a list of 17 organizational sponsors. (LH)