This textbook on the separation of church and state continues the "Exploring the Constitution Series," which introduces important areas of constitutional law. Intended to serve either as a reference work, a supplement to a standard textbook, or as the textbook for a course, this volume covers the constitutional issues of prayer in public…

The purpose of this booklet is to clarify what can be taught about religion in public schools while remaining within constitutional guidelines and using teaching material that is pedagogically sound. The first section, "Religion is a Fact of Life," covers the historical background, the current situation, and issues to resolve in teaching about…

To assist public school administrators in identifying constitutionally permissible religious observances of national religious holidays, this paper analyzes a federal appellate court case, Florey v. Sioux Falls School District, in which it was found that public schools would not violate the First Amendment by observing religious holidays if the…

The scope of this book is limited to a study of case law encompassing the major decisions of the United States Supreme Court involving religion and education. It is intended to aid readers in predicting the legal ramifications of various legislative enactments and administrative policies affecting the schools and in understanding the reasoning and…

Discusses "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools" (Tennessee), a case involving a controversial reading textbook offending fundamentalist parents of six middle school children. The Court of Appeals reversed a district court ruling, holding that uniform use of the Holt textbook was not essential to the state's goals to teach reading.…

This article examines the interrelated legal and scientific nature of the creationism controversy. It discusses "McLean vs. Arkansas Board of Education" and analyzes current tactics used by creationists, concluding that they are constitutionally impermissible. An approach is proposed that balances First Amendment interests with the need…

Student religious groups and individuals have rights equal to those of any other student groups or individuals to expression and exercise of their beliefs. Available from the Christian Legal Society, Box 2069, Oak Park, Illinois 60303; $5.00 per year. (Author/IRT)

Examines the controversy that has arisen over the implementation of the private school section of the regulations concerning the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and analyzes the constitutionality of the regulations under the case law on the establishment clause. (Author/IRT)

Describes the Supreme Court graduation-prayer decision in "Lee v. Weisman" (1992) and implications of the "Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District" case, which the Court decided not to review in 1993. Discusses the New Jersey graduation-prayer experiment and ruling of third District Circuit Court Judge Theodore A.…

Describes two federal court cases concerning objections to public school textbooks. In "Smith v. Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County," parents attempted to eliminate objectionable content from textbooks through the Establishment Clause. In "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools," parents wanted to remove children…

Examines court decisions which led to the passage of the Equal Access Act of 1984. Although the act was designed to clarify the issue over the legality of permitting religious clubs to meet on school property, it may have created more confusion. Concludes that the Supreme Court may have to decide the issue. (SLM)

Examines the debate over school vouchers, focusing on constitutional questions. Considers the separation of church and state, court cases related to public aid for religiously affiliated education, the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) and Cleveland (Ohio) voucher programs, and court cases addressing the constitutional dimensions of vouchers. Provides two…

The religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States are the most important political decision for religious liberty and public justice in history. Two hundred years after their enactment, they stand out boldly in a century darkened by state repression and sectarian conflict. The controversy now surrounding…

The material presented in this bulletin has been brought together for publication in response to a very considerable demand for information relative to the use of the Bible in public schools. This demand has been evidenced in recent years by many letters addressed to the Bureau of Education and designed to ascertain what laws the several States…

Explores the legal implications of tax credits and educational vouchers for the constitutional issues of separation of church and state. Forecasts that the financing of elementary and secondary education by these proposed methods is constitutionally impermissible. (MLF)