In this article, I detail how I revised a social foundations of education course to center major Supreme Court cases relating to K-12 public schools. Scholars in social foundations of education have articulated a vision for the field that fosters and promotes democracy and democratic dispositions. Focusing on the Supreme Court in a social…

In "Lee" the Supreme Court determined that "including clergy who offer prayers as part of an official public school graduation is forbidden by the Establishment Clause." Confusion arises over whether the Court decision determined "what" cannot be done or "who" cannot do it. Surveyed 10 Kentucky school…

Discusses the boundaries of the Supreme Court's decision in "Lee" that relied on the factors of direction and coercion. Analyzes three lower court rulings regarding graduation prayers. Advises state legislatures and local school districts not to sponsor any student religious activity at graduation time. (97 footnotes) (MLF)

Critically examines and responds to the persistent argument by religionists that high school graduation prayer is somehow constitutional despite "Lee versus Weisman." Addresses the loopholes advocated and concludes that the courts have clearly rejected each of them. (183 footnotes) (MLF)

Explores the background of the "Lee" case, in which the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 decision, declared that graduation prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Cites implications of the Supreme Court for future Establishment Clause cases. (54 footnotes) (MLF)

In "Lee," the Supreme Court held that prayer directed by a school official at graduation ceremonies was unconstitutional. Examines "Lee" and two subsequent decisions by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals: "Jones v. Clear Creek ISD" allowed prayer initiated by students; "Doe v. Duncanville ISD" prohibited a…

Considers the legal implications of "Lee," a closely divided Supreme Court decision that ended the practice of graduation prayers. Summarizes the majority opinions of Justices Kennedy, Blackmun, and Souter and the dissenting opinion of Justice Scalia. Analyzes the potential impact of "Lee" on future cases involving religion and…

The United States Supreme Court, in the case of "Lee v. Weisman," held that inviting clergy to deliver prayer during an official public-school graduation ceremony violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. Discusses the "Lee" decision and addresses some of its possible implications for school law. (80 references)…

Outlines the facts of the Supreme Court 5-4 decision in "Lee" that graduation prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Summarizes opinions of Justices Kennedy, Scalia, Souter, and Blackmun. Discusses some of the legal, educational, and policy implications of the conflicting opinions. (33 footnotes) (MLF)

The Supreme Court has decided to address the facts in "Lee v. Weisman" involving the validity of graduation prayer. Reviews the opinions of the current justices regarding the role of the tripartite establishment clause "Lemon" test and concludes with a projection of the court's resolution of the "Lee" case. (73…

The Supreme Court, in an upcoming case "Lee v. Weisman," will rule on whether prayer may be offered out loud at a public school graduation program. Argues that past court decisions have interpreted the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment over the Free Speech Clause of that same amendment. (57 references) (MLF)

School boards need to keep current on the status of graduation prayer. The "Weisman" decision said graduation prayers violated the First Amendment; the "Jones" decision would allow graduation ceremonies with student-led invocations and benedictions. Reviews these decisions to pinpoint the sources of confusion in subsequent…