-
"Released-time" programs during school hours for outside-of-school religious instruction have been held to be constitutional by the Supreme Court.
-
A curriculum that teaches about a religion without focusing on or advocating religious devotion or doctrine meets the first litmus test of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.
-
Separation of church and state requires that government action or legislation in education must clear a three-pronged test:
1.) It must not have a religious purpose
2.) Not have the primary effect of enhancing nor inhibiting religion
3.) Not create excessive entanglement between church and state -
Playing a holiday music medley representing various religions and the season's observances is permissible.
-
Religious groups that are voluntary and student initiated may meet on school premises.
-
School officials, including coaches, may not ask an athlete or student to lead a prayer before, during, or after an athletic contest.
-
Religious symbols may be used as teaching aids in the classroom, but cannot be used as holiday decorations.
-
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Equal Access Act and declared this federal statute did not violate the First Amendment.
-
The Supreme Court ruled that an invocation and benediction at commencement by a clergyman was unconstitutional.
-
The Supreme Court disallowed a gospel choir that advertised itself as sponsored by the school district and was directed by the school secretary.
-
Commencement exercises were deemed as a forum for student expression, including expressing of religious freedoms.
-
Prayers, such as 'The Lord's Prayer,' could be led by students but not imposed on them.
-
Clergy members may not offer prayers before or after athletic events.
-
Prayers during commencement exercises was blocked. Prayers must be approved by a faculty member before recited.
-
Constructed images of a Hindu diety, which was a course requirement, violates First Amendment rights.