This article discusses concerns about how Neil M. Gorsuch, a U.S. Supreme Court nominee, might influence decisions regarding cases involving the appropriate scope of services guaranteed by federal special-education law, government aid to religious institutions providing educational services, and how intellectual property law applies to sports…

Public school leaders often find themselves caught between groups with passionately held--but widely varying--views regarding the appropriate role for religion in public schools. Tensions are heightened by the growth of well-funded special interest groups inclined to litigate anywhere a test case arises. By reviewing the most recent judicial…

The Supreme Court has ruled public colleges may not deny funds to student groups because they engage in religious activities. The case, involving the University of Virginia, sets looser standards for separation of church and state in higher education. Some see it as providing new protections against censorship and withdrawal of funds. Text of the…

The Supreme Court's dissenting opinion in a University of Virginia case concerning denial of funds to a religious student newspaper is presented. Justice Souter argues that the ruling supporting funding is in violation of doctrine concerning separation of church and state. (MSE)

A court case comment traces establishment clause educational debates in cases leading to a Supreme Court decision in which it was found that a blind student otherwise eligible for financial aid could not be denied the aid just because the funds were to be used for religious education. (MSE)

The Pope called upon Roman Catholic institutions of higher learning to "make known their Catholic identity" by integrating Catholic teaching and discipline in all university activities. Religious institutions find themselves facing precarious legal challenges, where the constitutionality of government appropriations could be challenged,…

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's concurring opinion in "Rosenberger v. Rectors and Visitors of University of Virginia," in which the Court ruled that the university acted unconstitutionally in denying student activities funds to a Christian newspaper not affiliated with a church, is excerpted here. The opinion maintains that…

This book, an update of the 1988 edition, gives readers a basic grasp of the general legal principles controlling the role of religion in public education with the goal of applying those principles to typical church/state issues. Chapter 1 offers the background of general legal principles needed to understand specific church/state issues. Chapter…