The growth of groups of the religious right has resulted in a major ideological division in the United States. Outlines the strength of these groups, the particulars of the secular humanism debate, and the ability such groups have to coordinate issues and join together in campaigns influencing public education. (MD)

Reviews the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) versus Cathy Kuhlmeier, where the Court heard arguments on whether a school-sponsored student publication is protected under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes related cases, teaching procedures, and selected resources. (JDH)

Reviews the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) versus Cathy Kuhlmeier. Offers quotes from the majority and minority opinions. (JDH)

Interprets the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) censorship case. Contends that, because classrooms are places where ideas and expressions are presented to be studied and challenged, special limitations on the free speech rights of students are misplaced. Advocates a differentiated standard for free speech in schools, a standard that is fully…

Reviews the "Seyfried v. Walton" court decision involving the cancellation of a school play by the superintendent. Compares decision with decisions in other First Amendment cases involving school censorship. Points out that a complex constitutional issue has left a dangerous theory that could be adapted to other issues with this…

The establishment clause of the First Amendment permits public school instruction that serves secular educational goals, but it forbids instruction that instills religious beliefs in children. Although the free exercise clause protects those who oppose such secular courses, their sole remedy is partial or total exemption from the courses. (MLF)

Teachers have a professional/ethical obligation to teach their subject in as balanced a way as possible so that students will not come away with a biased slant that, in their eyes, has been validated by the school system. The teaching of social studies, especially history, would be impoverished if matters of religious beliefs and influences were…

In 2002-2003, American Youth Policy Forum conducted a series of forums and field trips focused on issues related to the development of effective citizenry and youth engagement. This publication reports on some of the ideas that were presented and discussed during the course of these activities, and describes some of the work that individuals and…

In 1893, in just 184 days, 28 million people, about one-third of the U.S. population, visited the World's Colombian Exposition in Chicago (Illinois). This lesson focuses on petitioning the federal government, peaceably assembling, and exercising freedom of speech and religion, all of which are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S.…

Asks questions related to the issue of freedom of speech, and uses that as a teaching strategy to examine the issues of citizenship rights and responsibilities. Provides 12 federal court cases as precedents and allows the students to be the judge by exploring the facts, the legal issues, and the constitutional principles. (NL)

Describes a flag-burning incident for classroom discussion on the issue of speech protected by the First Amendment. Includes background information and two legal opinions concerning the case. Encourages students to decide which opinion they agree with and which should be the majority opinion. (NL)

Discusses the effects of the Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier decision involving the First Amendment rights of high school journalists and the thrust by journalism educators to insure student press freedom. (MS)

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…

By law and example, school boards must govern within scope of Bill of Rights. Cites West Virginia State Board of Education v Barnette, in which Supreme Court in 1943 upheld two Jehovah's Witness children's right to refuse to participate in daily flag salute ceremony. Urges schools to teach students principles of democracy and also of individual…

Reviews eight books that address the issues of democratic governance. Includes a historic look at democratic leadership; a history of multicultural America; and the view that the humanities, as taught in school, have become deeply politicized. Other topics are a historical defense of bilingual education, population changes and educational policy,…