Offers classroom activities for instructing middle school students about religious diversity in the United States. Incorporates a poster that invites student speculation about the Amish lifestyle. Suggests having students examine what they know about U.S. religions and what life would be like without religious freedom. (SG)

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)

Traces institutional responses to the challenges posed by conservative religious groups to public school education in California. The experience of California illustrates the importance for educators of assuring that all citizens understand the First Amendment and its implications for the conduct of public education. (SLD)

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)

Traces the litigious history of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the First Amendment area, specifically the right of ISKCON followers to practice sankirtan in public places. (FL)

This magazine aims to help high school teachers of civics, government, history, law, and law-related education program developers educate students about legal issues. This issue focuses on religious freedom in the United States. It contains 11 articles: (1) "Government-Religion Relations in Historical Perspective" (C. Cookson) discusses…

It is argued that the court decision in Widmar v. Vincent, striking down a university's restriction on building use for religious activities, is consistent with the First Amendment's Establishment Clause precedent, does not threaten to undermine its purpose or intended reach, and may in fact clarify it. (MSE)

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 town of Rajneeshpuram, Oregon, was incorporated for the purpose of achieving the religious vision of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, just as the Mormons established communities around the teachings of Joseph Smith. The incorporation of Rajneeshpuram was challenged on the basis of the First Amendment, however, raising new questions in regard to the…

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…

First Amendment responsibilities of public colleges and universities to provide access to university facilities for First Amendment activity are analyzed within the public forum doctrine. State action doctrine and implications for private institutions are considered, public forum law in the university setting is discussed, and recent litigation is…

Explores whether public schools can accommodate the religious needs of Muslim students. Provides background information on the migration of Muslims to the United States from the Middle East and on Islamic beliefs and practices. Identifies the various needs and challenges in adapting the schools to fit Muslim students' lifestyle and religious…

The U.S. experiment in religious liberty has enormous significance for the United States and for the world. The challenging dilemma of living with the deepest religious differences, as it is currently being met in the United States, is explored in this essay. The point that U.S. success or failure in attempts to deal with religious liberty has…

Reviews court decisions on creationism, science, and separation of church and state in relation to 1st and 14th amendments,establishment clause, and free exercise clause. Discusses fundamentalist interpretation of evolution and concept of "scientific neutrality." Proposes that rights of religious minorities are best served if teaching of…

A Supreme Court decision requiring a state university to allow a student group to hold religious services in campus facilities is reviewed. The decision was admittedly a narrow one, leaving several issues for later consideration, but it does signal a lightening of longtime prohibitions on campus religious activity. (MSE)