The United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision in the Rosenberger case, ruled that the University of Virginia had violated the free speech clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution by refusing to subsidize a Christian student publication. The magazine, "Wide Awake," was published by a student organization that…

In the midst of a trend toward uniformity of education, parents, teachers, community groups, and government groups are struggling for control over what that education shall be. Regarding problems concerning religious and ethical education, the courts' interpretations of the establishment clause ultimately conflict with interpretations of the free…

This document provides comprehensive analysis of new key developments in the law regarding the proper relationship between religion and public schools. There are 12 chapters: (1) "The First Amendment and Public Schools: Overview of the Religion Clauses" (John Walsh, Dorine Lawrence-Hughes, and Usi N. Botros); (2) "Prayer on Campus:…

The opportunity for religious freedom brought the Amish from Europe to North America as early as 1737. And for many generations, conflicts between the Amish and the U.S. government were limited to Amish objections to military service. However, as the government's regulatory power grew in the 20th century, clashes between the Amish and the state…

This digest was designed to fill a gap in the legal literature and knowledge of educators; it was not intended to serve as an intensive or interpretive legal analysis. It provides a comprehensive and concise set of individual case summaries of United States Supreme Court cases decided by the Court as of December 1994. The cases were selected on…

This teacher's guide is designed to accompany the two-part videotape "One Nation Under God? School Prayer and the First Amendment." The videotape and teacher's guide should help students to: (1) understand the history of freedom of religion and the First Amendment; (2) examine the controversy surrounding school prayer; (3) compare and…

This book examines various school choice alternatives and the educational philosophies underlying them, as well as providing an overview of the history of alternative education programs in the United States. An attempt is made to dispel the notion that all school choice plans are created equal and to show that, depending on the goals, some plans…

Drawing on the writings of scholars in the field, this report presents the case for increased parental control over the education of children. It begins by maintaining that the American public school has fallen from favor mainly because of a decline in academic achievement and the replacement of the teaching of basic skills with social…

Suggests specific ways of bringing the academic study of religion into a secular curriculum. Presents general guidelines and procedures for administrators, in working with school boards, to design and implement the teaching of religion. Argues that state boards of education are instrumental in making the academic study of religion a vital part of…

This booklet offers school administrators guidance on the constitutional foundation of religious freedom and the relationship between church and state in the United States. Most of the recent Supreme Court cases dealing with religion in the schools and many current issues in the field are discussed. Questions that administrators may wish to…

The constitutionality of a national tuition tax credit plan is examined with specific reference to questions that are raised under the religion clauses of the First Amendment. Recommendations are made for government plans that avoid the church-state conflict and maintain government neutrality. (BH)

Presents a secondary school lesson to study the Supreme Court's interpretations of the Establishment Clause, explore why some Justices want to reconsider the separation of church and state, and make decisions about the constitutionality of school prayer. Includes seven student handouts and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

Presents background information on Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Wisconsin could not compel Amish students to attend high school. Outlines a lesson plan for simulating the court's decision. Includes discussion questions that distinguish between the First Amendment establishment and free exercise clauses and…

Legal issues involved when a religious college accepts government financial assistance and potential legal strategies that the religious colleges might use to support receipt of such assistance are considered. In order to receive government benefits, the private religious college may be placed in the position of having to prove itself…

Designed to help make the Bill of Rights a living document, the student text (user's guide) describes the history of each right in the Bill of Rights and explains how the Supreme Court has interpreted those rights throughout history. The units trace the history of the Bill of Rights, describe and analyze the first ten amendments, and explain the…