Canterbury, Connecticut, and Little Rock, Arkansas, are links in a chain of events representing the struggle for equal educational opportunity for African Americans. Focusing on these two communities, this lesson plan highlights two important historic places and the role each played in testing the prevailing assumptions of the time regarding…

This volume of "Let Freedom Ring!" contains the scripts of the 13 national broadcasts of the radio series of that name presented in the spring of 1937 over the national network of the Columbia Broadcast System. In "Let Freedom Ring!" you will find the courage, the struggle, the triumph of men and women who fought to win and safeguard liberties…

Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish parochial schools have always had religious studies as part of their curriculum, but there has been the question about whether public schools can also. "In 1962 two U.S. Supreme Court cases (Abington School District vs. Schempp and Engle vs. Vitale) prohibited the practice of Bible reading in public schools.…

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits government (which includes public schools) from imposing religious beliefs and practices in schools. Examines court decisions interpreting the First Amendment, distinguishes state action from private action, and explains the notion of "limited open forum" with regard to…

Interviewed 800 police chiefs asking whether the Bill of Rights prevented police and prosecutors from protecting citizens against crime and found the answer was no. Urges more equitable funding for the criminal justice system, more public defenders for the poor, and teaching about justice in a free society. (NL)

Discusses an article which presents a concise discussion of secular humanism. Reviews additional materials on censorship from the perspective of the new religious right, the fundamentalists, and public policy and the law. The sources provide background to enhance teaching about secular humanism and textbook censorship. (SLM)

Investigates the extent to which adolescents are willing to extend basic human rights to their least-liked sociopolitical groups. Suggests that it is critical that teachers refer to specific groups especially those that are viewed negatively in discussing political tolerance. (KO)

Examines several recent Supreme Court decisions and comments on the implications of those decisions. Looks at powers of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the picketing of private homes, involuntary servitude, alcoholism, displaying of adult literature, attorney advertisements, confronting one's accuser, physician peer review…

Examines the impact of slavery and racism on the U.S. Constitution at its creation, at its centennial, and now. Explores the way Black U.S. citizens view the Constitution in relation to legitimized slavery. Provides a reading list in Black history and a glossary of civil rights terms. (GEA)

This article discusses the constitutionality of racially restrictive student clubs and organizations at colleges and universities, focusing on the recent proliferation of such groups, the laws and legal standards that apply to such campus groups, and recommendations to university administrators concerning racially restrictive organizations. (MDM)

Contends that, although religious freedom is a key feature of U.S. democracy, it has had a relatively short and modern history. Discusses the issues, court opinions, and historical significance of the 1940 "Minersville School District v. Gobitis" U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding Jehovah's Witnesses and the Pledge of Allegiance to…

Maintains that constitutional law is the cornerstone of an undergraduate public law curriculum. Asserts that there is a welcome trend toward teaching the subject over a two-semester sequence, instead of only one. Describes course content and teaching strategies used in a college constitutional law course. (CFR)

The impact of a college administrator's decision that imposes conditions on enrollment of an emotionally or mentally impaired student is examined in the context of constitutional and federal law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The school's responsibility in such cases is discussed including providing the student with…

Recommends studying Fannie Lou Hamer's work in the civil rights movement of the 1960s to teach students a greater appreciation of the citizen's role in enforcing constitutional rights. Includes a role-playing activity, discussion questions, and a handout on Hamer. Suggests students will recognize the relationship between the Fourteenth Amendment…

Public university restriction of faculty expression on the institution's World Wide Web server is discussed based on recent Supreme Court decisions. It is proposed that in some circumstances, content-based restriction of faculty expression is permissible and will not violate the First Amendment academic freedom rights of faculty. (MSE)