Addresses allegations that public schools are unconstitutionally promoting secular humanism. Presents perspectives defining secular humanism and explores whether secular humanism is considered a religion under the establishment clause. Deals with charges by conservative parent groups. (164 references) (MLF)

Discusses the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act in light of constitutional problems associated with handicapped children who attend parochial schools receiving special education and related services. Reasons how and why present Supreme Court might decide in "Zobrest" case regarding a school district providing a sign…

A modified analysis of the "Lemon" test as set forth in Supreme Court opinions is explained, and relevant lower court cases are reviewed. Determines that the modified standard is heightened and consistently applied within K-12 education activities. (MLF)

Lower courts have generally held that Bible distribution in public schools violates the Establishment Clause. More recent litigation has focused on distribution of religious literature other than Bibles. Examines the background of the issue, considers the most recent court decisions, and discusses the implications of these decisions. (57…

Summarizes court cases bearing on religion in the school setting and the use of the three-part "Lemon" test in Establishment Clause cases; and examines a Louisiana District Court decision that affirmed the action of a school principal prohibiting a religiously oriented valedictory address. (MLF)

Contends that a circuit court ruling prohibiting a student religious group from holding meetings in a public secondary school erodes the intent of the Equal Access Act to provide access for students wishing to exercise religious speech. (MLF)

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 agreed to review "Zobrest," regarding sending a state-paid sign language interpreter into a Catholic high school to assist a deaf student. Examines the facts and procedural history of the "Zobrest" case, the analysis applied by the Ninth Circuit, and a few of the many difficulties facing the Court. (MLF)

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)

When Congress adopted the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1789, it left open many questions that would arise concerning church-state relations. It became clear early in the history of the country that the Supreme Court would have a great impact on how the First Amendment would be upheld and interpreted. This book examines how Congress…

In "Mergens," the Supreme Court ruled that the Equal Access Act (EAA) was constitutional and that students at a high school with a "limited open forum" could participate in a prayer club. Traces the history of the case, arguments by the justices, and practical implications of the case for school districts. (66 references) (MLF)

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)

The United States Supreme Court is currently deliberating the case of "Kiryas Joel." At issue is a public school district set up specifically to meet the religious needs of an orthodox Jewish community, as the community defines them. Presents opposing arguments from the New York State School Boards Association and the National Jewish…

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…