MEMORANDUM ON STUDENT RELIGIOUS SPEECH AT ATHLETIC EVENTS. The Foundation for Moral Law One Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL (334)

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "MEMORANDUM ON STUDENT RELIGIOUS SPEECH AT ATHLETIC EVENTS. The Foundation for Moral Law One Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL (334)"

Transcription

1 MEMORANDUM ON STUDENT RELIGIOUS SPEECH AT ATHLETIC EVENTS The Foundation for Moral Law One Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL (334) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 As in every autumn, Alabamians are caught up in the enthusiasm of the football season. The competing teams, the cheerleaders, the band, the halftime performances, the crisp autumn evenings it all comes together as a cherished and exciting tradition. But in some Alabama schools, one part of that tradition is missing this year the opening prayer. Several school districts have received letters from a Wisconsin-based group known as the Freedom from Religion Foundation ( FFRF ), an atheist organization whose goal is to drive religious expression out of the public arena. And right now, football stadiums seem to be the focus of their attack. The FFRF insists that prayers at public school football games violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which, they claim, mandates separation of church and state but actually reads as follows: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The Establishment Clause does not mandate complete separation of religion from government nor does it prohibit the public acknowledgement of God. But does the Establishment Clause prohibit prayer at football games? Let s examine it more closely. I. Analysis of Court Decisions Concerning Prayer at Athletic Events The meaning of the First Amendment is of crucial importance. Those who settled the original thirteen colonies did not cross the Atlantic to get away from prayer at football games. In 1853 the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee conducted an exhaustive study of the Establishment Clause and concluded that it referred to the connection with the state

2 of a particular religious society, by its endowment, at the public expense, in exclusion of, or in preference to, any other, by giving to its members exclusive political rights, and by compelling the attendance of those who rejected its communion upon its worship, or religious observances. Nonetheless, by preventing the government from sponsoring one church to the detriment of all others, the Founders did not wish to see us an irreligious people. They did not intend to prohibit a just expression of religious devotion by the legislators of the nation, even in their public character as legislators; they did not intend to send our armies and navies forth to do battle for their country without any national recognition of that God on whom success or failure depends; they did not intend to spread over all the public authorities and the whole public action of the nation the dead and revolting spectacle of atheistical apathy. Not so had the battles of the revolution been fought, and the deliberations of the revolutionary Congress conducted. On the contrary, all had been done with a continual appeal to the Supreme Ruler of the world, and an habitual reliance upon His protection of the righteous cause which they commended to His care. The Reports of Committees of the Senate of the United States for the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Congress, , pp Senate Rep. No (1853). (Emphasis added). Many who support public prayer today also do not consider such prayer to be a mere ritual or ceremony. Rather, they believe that prayer changes things. Just as prayer for our troops helps ensure success and safety in battle, so prayer for athletes helps ensure that they will play their best, practice good sportsmanship, and be free from injury. Unlike the FFRF, the Foundation for Moral Law believes that student-initiated prayer at football games does not violate the Establishment Clause and is protected by the Free Exercise Clause and the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment and by the Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment. The complete ban on prayer demanded by the FFRF would, in the Senate Committees words, spread over all the public authorities and the whole public action of the nation the dead and revolting spectacle of atheistical apathy. Contrary to the FFRF s one-sided and simplistic analysis, the Supreme Court s decision in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290 (2000), did not invalidate student-initiated prayer at athletic events. Rather, the Court focused on the extensive state involvement in the prayers. First, the schools (an intermediate school and a junior high school) held an election, run by school officials, to determine whether a prayer would take place at that year s games. If the students voted to have prayer (as they did), the school officials would conduct another election to select a student to lead the 2

3 prayers. Because the elections were conducted by school officials acting in their official capacities, the Court majority concluded that there was too much state involvement in the student election system and, further, that the student election system insured that only majoritarian views would be expressed. The Court distinguished between government-sponsored prayers and student-initiated religious speech, noting that there is a crucial difference between government speech endorsing religion, which the Establishment Clause forbids, and private speech endorsing religion, which the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses protect. Id. at 302 (citation omitted). Where the message is the student s and not the school s, the Establishment Clause has less application, and the Free Exercise and Free Speech clauses control. A school-district policy which permitted a student message at the opening of a football game without prescribing the content of that message would be wholly constitutional. A recent well-reasoned appellate case from Texas upheld the practice of allowing football cheerleaders to paint messages on run-through banners, some of which contained Bible verses, on the ground that the message was that of the students, not the school. Kountze Independent School District v. Matthews, No (Tex. App. Sept. 28, 2017). 1 The FFRF s references to other Supreme Court decisions are equally simplistic and overbroad. Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577 (1992), did not invalidate all graduation prayers, only a specific situation in which a superintendent asked a rabbi to lead a prayer and gave him written guidelines as to what the prayer should include. Justice Souter, joined by two other Justices, stated in a concurring opinion: If the State had chosen its graduation day speakers according to wholly secular criteria, and if one of those speakers (not a state actor) had individually chosen to deliver a religious message, it would have been harder to attribute an endorsement of religion to the State. 2 Id. at 630 n.8. Even Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962), which held that the state could not compose an official prayer to be recited in every classroom, did not ban student-initiated prayer. After the Santa Fe decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (which includes Alabama) considered two cases involving religious speech in a public school setting. In both cases, the Eleventh Circuit held that the religious speech did 1 Schools may prohibit students from engaging in vulgar and lewd speech or advocating illegal activity without converting the student speech into the school s message. Bethel School Dist. No. 403 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675, 683 (1986); Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393, 397 (2007). 2 Justice Scalia, joined by three other Justices, identified a solution to the problem: All that is seemingly needed is an announcement, or perhaps a written insertion at the beginning of the graduation program, to the effect that, while all are asked to rise for the invocation and benediction, none is compelled to join in them, nor will be assumed, by rising, to have done so. That obvious fact recited, the graduates and their parents may proceed to thank God, as Americans have always done, for the blessings He has generously bestowed on them and on their country. 505 U.S. at 645 (Scalia, J., dissenting). 3

4 not violate the First Amendment. In Adler v. Duval County School Board, 250 F.3d 1330 (11th Cir. 2001), the Court held that a school board policy that permitted but did not require a student speaker to lead a prayer over the loudspeaker at graduation exercises did not violate the First Amendment. And in Chandler v. Siegelman, 230 F.3d 1313 (11th Cir. 2000), the Eleventh Circuit stated: Permitting students to speak religiously signifies neither state approval nor disapproval of that speech. The speech is not the State s either by attribution or by adoption. The permission signifies no more than that the State acknowledges its constitutional duty to tolerate religious expression. Only in this way is true neutrality achieved. Id. at 1317 (citation omitted). A complete prohibition of student religious speech at school events, as the FFRF desires, would violate the Free Exercise and Free Speech Clauses. The Establishment Clause does not require the elimination of private speech endorsing religion in public places. Id. at II. Principles to Be Derived from These Cases As we examine what the Court has said concerning prayer at athletic activities and other public school events, we may deduce the following general principles: 1. The Establishment Clause ( Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ) may limit school involvement in religious activity However, the Free Exercise Clause ( or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ) and the Free Speech Clause ( or abridging the freedom of speech ) afford protection to students rights to engage in prayer and other religious speech. 3. The school may not compel or endorse prayer or excessively involve itself in the process of determining whether to have prayer, who should lead the prayer, and what the content of prayer should be. 4. Prayer will be permitted if it is student-initiated and student-led. 5. Student speech at an athletic activity is more likely to be upheld as constitutional if the students are given an opportunity to speak on a subject of their choice (which could include religious expression) instead of the school designating that speech as a prayer. 3 See Elk Grove Unified Sch. Dist. v. Newdow, 542 U.S. 1, 45 (2004) (Thomas, J., concurring) (questioning application of the Establishment Clause, a federalism provision, to the states). 4

5 6. The school policy should include a disclaimer to the effect that statements made during this period represent the views of the speakers alone and not the official position of the school or its personnel, and that although all are requested to be silent and respectful during this period, no one will be assumed because of that silence and respect to have joined in or agreed with the speech. III. What Other Schools Have Done In an effort to preserve student prayer at athletic events in a way that does not violate the First Amendment as the courts have interpreted it, school districts have engaged in a variety of practices: In one district, instead of an opening prayer, the game announcer informed the audience that they would pause for a moment of silence. During that moment of silence, without any prompting or direction from school officials, students and other spectators arose and said the Lord s Prayer. In other districts, students or spectators have brought bullhorns so they could pray without using the school s public address system. In others, a student has been selected on neutral criteria (either by the administration or by the student body) to present opening remarks, which could include prayer. 4 The selection is made from a pool of students who have volunteered to present the opening remarks. In still others, the team (or those team members who choose to do so) gather for prayer before the game, either in the locker room or on the field. If the team members lead this prayer and the coach joins, that will probably be acceptable. If the coach initiates or leads the prayer, that could be more problematic. In sum, students may brightly shine the light of faith during school events. IV. Sample Policy A sample policy that allows for pre-game student messages, religious or otherwise as the student may choose, is set out below for your consideration and adaptation. Compare Adler v. Duval County School Bd., 851 F. Supp. 446, 449 (M.D. Fla. 1994) (policy on graduation messages). 4 If the selection is at random, it is possible that the selected student could give an anti-religious message or an occultic or Satanic prayer. This is less likely if the students make the selection through student government rather than school officials drawing names at random. Schools must weigh that possibility against the drastic action of abolishing pre-game student speech altogether. 5

6 Sample Athletic Event Student Message Policy A pre-game message, not to exceed two minutes, may be given at high school athletic events over the school s public address system by a student volunteer selected at random or on religion-neutral criteria from those who express a wish to deliver such a message. The content of the message shall be prepared by the student volunteer, shall not be monitored or otherwise reviewed by the School Board, its officers or employees, and is not an official expression of the school. The purpose of this policy is to allow students who wish to give a pregame message at athletic events the opportunity to do so without monitoring or review by school officials. Team members who wish to meditate or pray before a game either individually or with other members of the team or the opposite team, may do so either in the locker room or on the athletic field, provided that the meditation or prayer is student-initiated and student-led and provided further that no team member shall be pressured or coerced to participate in the meditation or prayer. CONCLUSION The Foundation for Moral Law presents this memorandum in a sincere effort to protect student pre-game speech, religious or otherwise, in a manner consistent with the United States Constitution and the Alabama Constitution as interpreted by the courts. Nothing herein shall constitute the practice of law. Readers are encouraged to seek competent legal advice before taking action on these matters. School officials are encouraged to share this memorandum with their attorneys. The Foundation s attorneys, who have studied and practiced constitutional law for many years, would be pleased to be of assistance to you and your school district. Please feel free to call us at (334)

MEMORANDUM. Teacher/Administrator Rights & Responsibilities

MEMORANDUM. Teacher/Administrator Rights & Responsibilities MEMORANDUM These issue summaries provide an overview of the law as of the date they were written and are for educational purposes only. These summaries may become outdated and may not represent the current

More information

CITY OF UMATILLA AGENDA ITEM STAFF REPORT

CITY OF UMATILLA AGENDA ITEM STAFF REPORT CITY OF UMATILLA AGENDA ITEM STAFF REPORT DATE: October 30, 2014 MEETING DATE: November 4, 2014 SUBJECT: Resolution 2014 43 ISSUE: Meeting Invocation Policy BACKGROUND SUMMARY: At the October 21 st meeting

More information

SC COSA Fall Legal Summit August 26, 2016 Thomas K. Barlow, Esq. Childs & Halligan, P.A.

SC COSA Fall Legal Summit August 26, 2016 Thomas K. Barlow, Esq. Childs & Halligan, P.A. Overview and Analysis of the Pending American Humanist Association vs. Greenville County School District Case and Current State of the Law on Student- Initiated Religious Speech and School Use of Religious

More information

October 3, Humble Independent School District Eastway Village Drive Humble, TX 77338

October 3, Humble Independent School District Eastway Village Drive Humble, TX 77338 October 3, 2016 Dr. Elizabeth Fagen Superintendent Humble Independent School District 20200 Eastway Village Drive Humble, TX 77338 April Maldonado Principal Eagle Springs Elementary School 12500 Will Clayton

More information

Should We Take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?

Should We Take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance? Should We Take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance? An atheist father of a primary school student challenged the Pledge of Allegiance because it included the words under God. Michael A. Newdow, who has

More information

RESOLUTION NO

RESOLUTION NO RESOLUTION NO. 2013- A RESOLUTION APPROVING A POLICY REGARDING OPENING INVOCATIONS BEFORE MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS WHEREAS, the City Council of League City, Texas

More information

No In The Supreme Court of the United States. On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

No In The Supreme Court of the United States. On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit No. 02-1624 In The Supreme Court of the United States ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, and DAVID W. GORDON, Superintendent, v. Petitioners, MICHAEL A. NEWDOW, et al., Respondents. On Writ of Certiorari

More information

September 24, Jeff James Superintendent N First Street Albemarle, NC RE: Constitutional Violation. Dear Mr.

September 24, Jeff James Superintendent N First Street Albemarle, NC RE: Constitutional Violation. Dear Mr. September 24, 2018 Jeff James Superintendent Stanly County Schools 1000-4 N First Street Albemarle, NC 28001 jeff.james@stanlycountyschools.org RE: Constitutional Violation Dear Mr. James, Our office was

More information

March 25, SENT VIA U.S. MAIL & to

March 25, SENT VIA U.S. MAIL &  to March 25, 2015 SENT VIA U.S. MAIL & EMAIL to chancellor@ku.edu Dr. Bernadette Gray-Little Office of the Chancellor Strong Hall 1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 230 Lawrence, KS 66045 Re: KU Basketball Team Chaplain

More information

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES Cite as: 542 U. S. (2004) 1 SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES No. 02 1624 ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND DAVID W. GORDON, SUPERINTENDENT, PETITIONERS v. MICHAEL A. NEWDOW ET AL. ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI

More information

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES Cite as: 530 U. S. (2000) 1 SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES TANGIPAHOA PARISH BOARD OF EDUCATION ET AL. v. HERB FREILER ET AL. ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

More information

THE RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE

THE RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE THE RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Post Office Box 7482 Charlottesville, Virginia 22906-7482 JOHN W. WHITEHEAD Founder and President TELEPHONE 434 / 978-3888 FACSIMILE 434/ 978 1789 www.rutherford.org

More information

Establishment of Religion

Establishment of Religion Establishment of Religion Purpose: In this lesson students first examine the characteristics of a society that has an officially established church. They then apply their understanding of the Establishment

More information

Removal of God Bless the USA From P.S. 90 Graduation Ceremony

Removal of God Bless the USA From P.S. 90 Graduation Ceremony June 12, 2012 Superintendent Isabel DiMola CEC District 21 Re: Removal of God Bless the USA From P.S. 90 Graduation Ceremony Dear Superintendent DiMola: The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has

More information

June 13, RE: Unconstitutional Censorship of Moriah Bridges. Dr. Rowe and School Board:

June 13, RE: Unconstitutional Censorship of Moriah Bridges. Dr. Rowe and School Board: June 13, 2017 Dr. Carrie Rowe, Superintendent Mr. Frank Bovalino, Board President Dr. Mark Deitrick, Board Vice-President Ms. Deborah Hogue, Secretary Mr. Robert Bickerton, Member Ms. Wende Dikec, Member

More information

March 25, SENT VIA U.S. MAIL & to

March 25, SENT VIA U.S. MAIL &  to March 25, 2015 SENT VIA U.S. MAIL & EMAIL to nan9k@virginia.edu, sgh4c@virginia.edu Dr. Teresa Sullivan President, University of Virginia P.O. Box 400224 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4224 Re: UVA Basketball

More information

TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT To: Honorable Mayor & Town Council From: Jamie Anderson, Town Clerk Date: January 16, 2013 For Council Meeting: January 22, 2013 Subject: Town Invocation Policy Prior Council

More information

The Pledge of Allegiance and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment: Why Vishnu and Jesus Aren't In the Constitution

The Pledge of Allegiance and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment: Why Vishnu and Jesus Aren't In the Constitution ESSAI Volume 2 Article 19 Spring 2004 The Pledge of Allegiance and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment: Why Vishnu and Jesus Aren't In the Constitution Daniel McCullum College of DuPage Follow

More information

Good morning, and welcome to America s Fabric, a radio program to. encourage love of America. I m your host for America s Fabric, John McElroy.

Good morning, and welcome to America s Fabric, a radio program to. encourage love of America. I m your host for America s Fabric, John McElroy. 1 [America s Fabric #11 Bill of Rights/Religious Freedom March 23, 2008] Good morning, and welcome to America s Fabric, a radio program to encourage love of America. I m your host for America s Fabric,

More information

Perception and Practice: The Wall of Separation in the Public School Classroom. Patricia A. Tinkey Ed.D.

Perception and Practice: The Wall of Separation in the Public School Classroom. Patricia A. Tinkey Ed.D. Perception and Practice: The Wall of Separation in the Public School Classroom Patricia A. Tinkey Ed.D. The concept of separation of church and state is first credited to Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Because

More information

THE CONSTITUTION IN THE CLASSROOM. TEACHING MODULE: The First Amendment and Freedom of Religion High School Version

THE CONSTITUTION IN THE CLASSROOM. TEACHING MODULE: The First Amendment and Freedom of Religion High School Version THE CONSTITUTION IN THE CLASSROOM TEACHING MODULE: The First Amendment and Freedom of Religion High School Version NATIONAL CONSTITUTION DAY September 17, 2006 The First Amendment and Religion in Schools

More information

RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS

RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS INDC Page 1 RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS In accordance with the mandate of the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the establishment of religion and protecting the free exercise thereof and freedom

More information

In Brief: Supreme Court Revisits Legislative Prayer in Town of Greece v. Galloway

In Brief: Supreme Court Revisits Legislative Prayer in Town of Greece v. Galloway NOV. 4, 2013 In Brief: Supreme Court Revisits Legislative Prayer in Town of Greece v. Galloway FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Lugo, Director, Religion & Public Life Project Alan Cooperman, Deputy

More information

Religious Freedoms in Public Schools

Religious Freedoms in Public Schools CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS SPRING 2007 18 Lesson 2 Religious Freedoms in Public Schools Rationale Religious freedom is a sensitive, but critical, subject in developing an understanding of the rights of U.S.

More information

FACT CHECK: Keeping Governor Tim Kaine Honest About Virginia s Chaplain-Gate. Quote Analysis by Chaplain Klingenschmitt,

FACT CHECK: Keeping Governor Tim Kaine Honest About Virginia s Chaplain-Gate. Quote Analysis by Chaplain Klingenschmitt, FACT CHECK: Keeping Governor Tim Kaine Honest About Virginia s Chaplain-Gate Quote Analysis by Chaplain Klingenschmitt, www.prayinjesusname.org Why did Governor Tim Kaine s administration force the sudden

More information

Citation: 90 Ky. L.J Provided by: Available Through: David C. Shapiro Memorial Law Library, NIU Colleg

Citation: 90 Ky. L.J Provided by: Available Through: David C. Shapiro Memorial Law Library, NIU Colleg Citation: 90 Ky. L.J. 1 2001-2002 Provided by: Available Through: David C. Shapiro Memorial Law Library, NIU Colleg Content downloaded/printed from HeinOnline (http://heinonline.org) Mon Jun 27 15:37:39

More information

NYCLU testimony on NYC Council Resolution 1155 (2011)] Testimony of Donna Lieberman. regarding

NYCLU testimony on NYC Council Resolution 1155 (2011)] Testimony of Donna Lieberman. regarding 125 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 212.607.3300 212.607.3318 www.nyclu.org NYCLU testimony on NYC Council Resolution 1155 (2011)] Testimony of Donna Lieberman regarding New York City Council Resolution

More information

Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court of the United States 02-1624 In The Supreme Court of the United States ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT and DAVID W. GORDON, SUPERINTENDENT, EGUSD, Petitioners, v. MICHAEL A. NEWDOW, ET AL., Respondents. On Writ of Certiorari

More information

Back to the Future with Establishment Clause Jurisprudence: Analysis and Application of Lee v. Weisman

Back to the Future with Establishment Clause Jurisprudence: Analysis and Application of Lee v. Weisman Tulsa Law Review Volume 28 Issue 2 Article 5 Winter 1992 Back to the Future with Establishment Clause Jurisprudence: Analysis and Application of Lee v. Weisman Will K. Wright Follow this and additional

More information

The Pledge of Allegiance: "Under God" - Unconstitutional?

The Pledge of Allegiance: Under God - Unconstitutional? ESSAI Volume 1 Article 16 Spring 2003 The Pledge of Allegiance: "Under God" - Unconstitutional? Susanne K. Frens College of DuPage Follow this and additional works at: http://dc.cod.edu/essai Recommended

More information

C. Howard, Chisum, et al. ORGANIZATION bill analysis 4/30/2007 (CSHB 3678 by B. Cook)

C. Howard, Chisum, et al. ORGANIZATION bill analysis 4/30/2007 (CSHB 3678 by B. Cook) HOUSE HB 3678 RESEARCH C. Howard, Chisum, et al. ORGANIZATION bill analysis 4/30/2007 (CSHB 3678 by B. Cook) SUBJECT: COMMITTEE: VOTE: Voluntary student expression of religious views in public schools

More information

Florida Constitution Revision Commission The Capitol 400 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Re: Vote No on Proposals Amending Art.

Florida Constitution Revision Commission The Capitol 400 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Re: Vote No on Proposals Amending Art. November 17, 2017 DELIVERED VIA EMAIL Florida Constitution Revision Commission The Capitol 400 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Re: Vote No on Proposals Amending Art. 1, Section 3 Dear Chair Carlton

More information

Affirmed by published opinion. Associate Justice O Connor wrote the opinion, in which Judge Motz and Judge Shedd joined.

Affirmed by published opinion. Associate Justice O Connor wrote the opinion, in which Judge Motz and Judge Shedd joined. PUBLISHED UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT No. 06-1944 HASHMEL C. TURNER, JR., Plaintiff-Appellant, v. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA; THOMAS J. TOMZAK, in

More information

RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRIBUTION OF RELIGIOUS MATERIALS & PROSELYTIZING BY OUTSIDE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS Individuals, including parents, and groups who have no formal relationship to a school

More information

MEMORANDUM. First Amendment rights of students to promote and participate in the Day of Dialogue

MEMORANDUM. First Amendment rights of students to promote and participate in the Day of Dialogue 1-800-835-5233 MEMORANDUM RE: First Amendment rights of students to promote and participate in the Day of Dialogue On Friday, April 28, 2017, students around the United States will participate in the Day

More information

Box the quote that best illustrates the reason for which our Founders established the First Amendment.

Box the quote that best illustrates the reason for which our Founders established the First Amendment. Name Per Founding Fathers & Supreme Court Justices: How do they define American protest? First Amendment of the US Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting

More information

TEACHER HOSTS Each club should have a Faculty member who provides a safe space to meet and is a liaison between the club and the school.

TEACHER HOSTS Each club should have a Faculty member who provides a safe space to meet and is a liaison between the club and the school. First Priority clubs are completely student led. As a volunteer you can support the students in two ways. 1. Equipping student leaders outside of school. Meet with student leaders to set them up for success

More information

An Update on Religion and Public Schools. Outline

An Update on Religion and Public Schools. Outline An Update on Religion and Public Schools Ohio Council of School board Attorneys School Law Workshop Columbus, Ohio November 10, 2015 2.00-3.15 PM Charles J. Russo, J.D., Ed.D. Panzer Chair in Education

More information

BOW YOUR HEADS Purpose: Procedure:

BOW YOUR HEADS Purpose: Procedure: BOW YOUR HEADS Purpose: Freedom of religion like other First Amendment issues, can be complex. At times, the two clauses relating to freedom of religion conflict, as can be seen in two Supreme Court cases

More information

Teacher Case Summary Lee v. Weisman (1992) School Graduation Prayer

Teacher Case Summary Lee v. Weisman (1992) School Graduation Prayer Teacher Case Summary Lee v. Weisman (1992) School Graduation Prayer By Deborah Morris Burton, J.D. Copyright 2013, Deborah Morris Burton First Edition All rights reserved. This book may not be duplicated

More information

6:13-cv GRA Date Filed 09/11/13 Entry Number 1 Page 1 of 25. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville Division

6:13-cv GRA Date Filed 09/11/13 Entry Number 1 Page 1 of 25. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville Division 6:13-cv-02471-GRA Date Filed 09/11/13 Entry Number 1 Page 1 of 25 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville Division American Humanist Association, CA No. John Doe and Jane Doe,

More information

Deck the Hall City Hall That Is

Deck the Hall City Hall That Is Deck the Hall City Hall That Is Is it constitutional for cities to erect holiday displays that contain religious symbols? 1 The holiday season is here, and city hall is beautifully covered in festive decorations.

More information

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES ELMBROOK SCHOOL DISTRICT v. JOHN DOE 3, A MINOR BY DOE 3 S NEXT BEST FRIEND DOE 2, ET AL. ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR

More information

MEMORANDUM. First Amendment rights of students to promote and participate in Bring Your Bible to School Day

MEMORANDUM. First Amendment rights of students to promote and participate in Bring Your Bible to School Day 1-800-835-5233 MEMORANDUM RE: First Amendment rights of students to promote and participate in Bring Your Bible to School Day On October 5, 2017, students around the United States will participate in Bring

More information

September 9, The Honorable Ray Mabus Secretary of the Navy 2000 Navy Pentagon Washington DC

September 9, The Honorable Ray Mabus Secretary of the Navy 2000 Navy Pentagon Washington DC September 9, 2010 The Honorable Ray Mabus Secretary of the Navy 2000 Navy Pentagon Washington DC 20350-2000 Re: Unconstitutional Nightly Prayers on Navy Ships Dear Mr. Secretary: We, the undersigned organizations

More information

C. Students Engaging in Religious Activities and Expression at School

C. Students Engaging in Religious Activities and Expression at School NEW PROPOSED POLICY 1.14 RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS In accordance with the Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act, the School Board of Clay County, Florida ( Board ) hereby

More information

Religion in Public Schools Testing the First Amendment

Religion in Public Schools Testing the First Amendment Religion in Public Schools Testing the First Amendment Author: Rob Weaver, University of Miami School of Law, 2009-2010 Center for Ethics and Public Service, Street Law Intern, J.D. Candidate, 2011. Edited

More information

February 3, Lori Simon Executive Director of Academics. RE: Unconstitutional Fieldtrip to Calvary Lutheran Church

February 3, Lori Simon Executive Director of Academics. RE: Unconstitutional Fieldtrip to Calvary Lutheran Church February 3, 2014 VIA EMAIL Kim Hiel Principal School of Engineering and Arts Golden Valley, MN kim_hiel@rdale.org Lori Simon Executive Director of Academics Robbinsdale Area Schools New Hope, MN lori_simon@rdale.org

More information

Constitutionality of Voluntary Prayer Services

Constitutionality of Voluntary Prayer Services November 14, 2007 The Honorable Governor Sonny Perdue Office of the Governor Georgia State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Fax: (404) 657-7332 Re: Constitutionality of Voluntary Prayer Services Dear Governor

More information

April 3, Via . Woodrow Wilson Elementary School 700 East Chestnut Duncan, OK Duncan Public Schools 1706 West Spruce Duncan, OK 73533

April 3, Via  . Woodrow Wilson Elementary School 700 East Chestnut Duncan, OK Duncan Public Schools 1706 West Spruce Duncan, OK 73533 Via Email Lisha Elroy, Principal Woodrow Wilson Elementary School 700 East Chestnut Duncan, OK 73533 Glenda Cobb, Interim Superintendent Duncan Public Schools 1706 West Spruce Duncan, OK 73533 April 3,

More information

Id. at The Court concluded by stating that

Id. at The Court concluded by stating that involving the freedoms of speech and religion. 1 This letter is sent on behalf of over 14,000 individuals who signed an ACLJ petition in support of this letter within the past 24 hours, including almost

More information

First Amendment Rights -- Defining the Essential Terms

First Amendment Rights -- Defining the Essential Terms Religion in Public School Classrooms, Hallways, Schoolyards and Websites: From 1967 to 2017 and Beyond Panelists: Randall G. Bennett, Deputy Executive Director & General Counsel Tennessee School Boards

More information

Supreme Court Project Example

Supreme Court Project Example Supreme Court Project Example Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. Hialeah, Florida 1991-1993 Facts of the Case Decided by: Rehnquist Court: 1991-1993 Argued: Wednesday, November 4 th, 1992 Decided: Friday,

More information

PRAYER AND THE MEANING OF THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE: A DEBATE ON TOWN OF GREECE V. GALLOWAY

PRAYER AND THE MEANING OF THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE: A DEBATE ON TOWN OF GREECE V. GALLOWAY PRAYER AND THE MEANING OF THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE: A DEBATE ON TOWN OF GREECE V. GALLOWAY Patrick M. Garry* I. Introduction... 1 II. The Short Answer: Marsh Supports the Prayer Practice... 2 III. The

More information

The Progeny of Lee v. Weisman: Can Student-Invited Prayer at Public School Graduations Still be Constitutional?

The Progeny of Lee v. Weisman: Can Student-Invited Prayer at Public School Graduations Still be Constitutional? Brigham Young University Journal of Public Law Volume 9 Issue 2 Article 4 3-1-1995 The Progeny of Lee v. Weisman: Can Student-Invited Prayer at Public School Graduations Still be Constitutional? Thomas

More information

This statement is designed to prevent the abridgement of anyone's freedom of worship.

This statement is designed to prevent the abridgement of anyone's freedom of worship. FREEDOM OF RELIGION The FREE EXERCISE Clause: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This statement is designed to prevent the abridgement of anyone's freedom of worship. Generally, ALL beliefs are

More information

Case 1:18-cv Document 1 Filed 10/06/18 Page 1 of 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS AUSTIN DIVISION

Case 1:18-cv Document 1 Filed 10/06/18 Page 1 of 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS AUSTIN DIVISION Case 1:18-cv-00849 Document 1 Filed 10/06/18 Page 1 of 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS AUSTIN DIVISION U.S. Pastor Council, Plaintiff, v. City of Austin; Steve Adler, in

More information

Where Do You Stand: Critical Conversations about Religion in Public Schools

Where Do You Stand: Critical Conversations about Religion in Public Schools Where Do You Stand: Critical Conversations about Religion in Public Schools The College at Brockport s 12 th Annual Diversity Conference Building Community through Diversity SPIRITUALITY, STATE AND POLITICS

More information

Saftey In Our Conflict-Government Church

Saftey In Our Conflict-Government Church Liberty University DigitalCommons@Liberty University Faculty Publications and Presentations School of Education February 2004 Saftey In Our Conflict-Government Church Clarence Holland Liberty University,

More information

Navigating Religious Rights of Teachers and Students: Establishment, Accommodation, Neutrality, or Hostility?

Navigating Religious Rights of Teachers and Students: Establishment, Accommodation, Neutrality, or Hostility? Christian Perspectives in Education Send out your light and your truth! Let them guide me. Psalm 43:3 Volume 1 Issue 1 Fall 2007 11-30-2007 Navigating Religious Rights of Teachers and Students: Establishment,

More information

EMPLOYEE RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION AT WORK

EMPLOYEE RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION AT WORK EMPLOYEE RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION AT WORK PRESENTED BY: MARK GOULET & MELANIE CHARLESTON 2 Let s Organize This Talk.. Context matters: Applicable Laws Limitations on Employee Religious Expression Real Life

More information

Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Constitutional Law Commons

Follow this and additional works at:  Part of the Constitutional Law Commons Golden Gate University Law Review Volume 41 Issue 3 Ninth Circuit Survey Article 5 May 2011 Newdow v. Rio Linda Union School Disctrict: Religious Coercion in Public Schools Unconstitutional Despite Voluntary

More information

DEVELOPMENTS STATE SCHOOL BOARD PRAYER RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL RECENT

DEVELOPMENTS STATE SCHOOL BOARD PRAYER RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL RECENT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS STATE SCHOOL BOARD PRAYER RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL.Engel v. Vitale 370 U.S. 421 (1962) As a result of the "recommendation" of the State Board of Regents, the district school principal,

More information

ENGEL v. VITALE 370 U.S. 421 (1962)

ENGEL v. VITALE 370 U.S. 421 (1962) ENGEL v. VITALE 370 U.S. 421 (1962) MR. JUSTICE BLACK delivered the opinion of the Court. The respondent Board of Education of Union Free School District No. 9, New Hyde Park, New York directed the School

More information

Before the City Council of San Diego Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Before the City Council of San Diego Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday, May 23, 2006 Jay Alan Sekulow, J.D., Ph.D. Chief Counsel Before the City Council of San Diego Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday, May 23, 2006 AMERICAN CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE S MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF A

More information

Still between a Rock and a Hard Place? The Constitutionality of School Board Prayer in the Wake of Town of Greece

Still between a Rock and a Hard Place? The Constitutionality of School Board Prayer in the Wake of Town of Greece Still between a Rock and a Hard Place? The Constitutionality of School Board Prayer in the Wake of Town of Greece Phillip Buckley, J.D., Ph.D. Department of Educational Leadership Southern Illinois University

More information

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (C) MEANING OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (C) MEANING OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (C) MEANING OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE The Solemnity of Christ the King provides us with an opportunity to contemplate Christ in his glorified state as

More information

Passive Acknowledgement or Active Promotion of Religion? Neutrality and the Ten Commandments in Green v. Haskell

Passive Acknowledgement or Active Promotion of Religion? Neutrality and the Ten Commandments in Green v. Haskell BYU Law Review Volume 2010 Issue 1 Article 2 3-1-2010 Passive Acknowledgement or Active Promotion of Religion? Neutrality and the Ten Commandments in Green v. Haskell Stephanie Barclay Follow this and

More information

In the Supreme Court of the United States

In the Supreme Court of the United States No. 17-1891 In the Supreme Court of the United States HENDERSONVILLE PARKS and RECREATION BOARD, v. BARBARA PINTOK On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Thirteenth Circuit

More information

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES No. 18-1308 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES ROSS GELLER, DR. RICHARD BURKE, LISA KUDROW, AND PHOEBE BUFFAY, v. Petitioners, CENTRAL PERK TOWNSHIP, Respondents. On Writ of Certiorari to the United

More information

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Policy Bulletin

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Policy Bulletin TITLE: Guidelines for Teaching About Religions ROUTING: NUMBER: ISSUER: BUL-5479.1 Michelle King, Senior Deputy Superintendent, School Operations Earl R. Perkins, Assistant Superintendent School Operations

More information

Amendment I: Religion. Jessica C. Eric K. Isaac C. Jennifer Z. Grace K. Nadine H. Per. 5

Amendment I: Religion. Jessica C. Eric K. Isaac C. Jennifer Z. Grace K. Nadine H. Per. 5 Amendment I: Religion Jessica C. Eric K. Isaac C. Jennifer Z. Grace K. Nadine H. Per. 5 Free Exercise Clause Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free

More information

A RETURN TO THE SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL? A LOOK AT THE APPLICATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE TO THE NEWEST TENNESSEE SCIENCE CURRICULUM LAW

A RETURN TO THE SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL? A LOOK AT THE APPLICATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE TO THE NEWEST TENNESSEE SCIENCE CURRICULUM LAW A RETURN TO THE SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL? A LOOK AT THE APPLICATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE TO THE NEWEST TENNESSEE SCIENCE CURRICULUM LAW Brette Davis I. Introduction In 1925, Tennessee found itself in

More information

November 10, Via

November 10, Via November 10, 2015 Via Email Dr. Corbin Witt, Superintendent Geary County Schools USD 475 123 N. Eisenhower Junction City, Kansas 66441 Email: corbin.witt@usd475.org Jodi Testa, Principal Seitz Elementary

More information

June 11, June 11, I would appreciate your prompt consideration of this opinion request.

June 11, June 11, I would appreciate your prompt consideration of this opinion request. Scott D. English, Chief of Staff Office of the Governor Post Office Box 12267 Columbia, South Carolina 29211 Dear : You request an opinion regarding the constitutionality of H.3159, R-370 which is, as

More information

Preventing Divisiveness: The Ninth Circuit Upholds the 1954 Pledge Amendment in Newdow v. Rio Linda Union School District

Preventing Divisiveness: The Ninth Circuit Upholds the 1954 Pledge Amendment in Newdow v. Rio Linda Union School District BYU Law Review Volume 2011 Issue 3 Article 13 9-1-2011 Preventing Divisiveness: The Ninth Circuit Upholds the 1954 Pledge Amendment in Newdow v. Rio Linda Union School District Devin Snow Follow this and

More information

Re: Pervasive Church-State Violations by Bossier Parish Schools

Re: Pervasive Church-State Violations by Bossier Parish Schools (202) 466-3234 (202) 466-3353 (fax) www.au.org 1310 L Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 November 8, 2017 By U.S. Mail and Email Jon K. Guice, Esquire Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, & Guice, LLP 1881

More information

No In The Supreme Court of the United States ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT. DAVID W. GORDON, Superintendent, Petitioners,

No In The Supreme Court of the United States ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT. DAVID W. GORDON, Superintendent, Petitioners, No. 02-1624 In The Supreme Court of the United States ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DAVID W. GORDON, Superintendent, Petitioners, v. MICHAEL A. NEWDOW, Respondent. On Writ of Certiorari To The United

More information

SANDEL ON RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE

SANDEL ON RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE SANDEL ON RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE Hugh Baxter For Boston University School of Law s Conference on Michael Sandel s Justice October 14, 2010 In the final chapter of Justice, Sandel calls for a new

More information

January 2, Via . Ron Wilson, Superintendent Herington Schools USD North Broadway Herington, Kansas

January 2, Via  . Ron Wilson, Superintendent Herington Schools USD North Broadway Herington, Kansas January 2, 2018 Via Email Ron Wilson, Superintendent Herington Schools USD 487 19 North Broadway Herington, Kansas 67449 Email: rwilson@usd487.org Donalyn Biehler, Principal Herington Elementary School

More information

Constitutional Rights of Students, Teachers, and Public Schools to Seasonal Religious Expression

Constitutional Rights of Students, Teachers, and Public Schools to Seasonal Religious Expression 1-800-835-5233 MEMORANDUM Constitutional Rights of Students, Teachers, and Public Schools to Seasonal Religious Expression Historically, students and teachers across America have freely celebrated the

More information

Took a message from the Associated Press in New Orleans about this also. Can imagine all stations will be calling or trying to visit the school.

Took a message from the Associated Press in New Orleans about this also. Can imagine all stations will be calling or trying to visit the school. From: HUGHES Subject: RE: KSLA inquiry Date: February 24, 2014 at 11:52 AM To: MAINIERO, VICTOR /O=CADDOSCHOOLS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP /CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=VMAINIERO Cc: DAIGLE, BRUCE /O=CADDOSCHOOLS/OU=EXCHANGE

More information

Case 2:11-cv Document 3 Filed 04/08/11 Page 1 of 3 PageID #: 27 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA LAKE CHARLES DIVISION

Case 2:11-cv Document 3 Filed 04/08/11 Page 1 of 3 PageID #: 27 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA LAKE CHARLES DIVISION Case 2:11-cv-00559 Document 3 Filed 04/08/11 Page 1 of 3 PageID #: 27 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA LAKE CHARLES DIVISION OPEN GATE WESTERN HERITAGE ) Case No. CHURCH, a Louisiana

More information

Religious Liberty: Protecting our Catholic Conscience in the Public Square

Religious Liberty: Protecting our Catholic Conscience in the Public Square Religious Liberty: Protecting our Catholic Conscience in the Public Square Scripture on Church and State [Jesus] said to them, Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God

More information

Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Programs Religious Activities Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Programs Religious Activities Frequently Asked Questions states. 4 Together the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses require governmental neutrality Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Programs Religious Activities Frequently Asked Questions The First

More information

JESUS IN AMERICA. Awakening the Evangelical Church

JESUS IN AMERICA. Awakening the Evangelical Church JESUS IN AMERICA Awakening the Evangelical Church FOREWORD Dr. Al and Dr. Judy Howard Dear Reader, My name is Al Howard and for almost 46 years I have pastored the same non-denominational church in Long

More information

Invocations at Graduation

Invocations at Graduation Yale Law Journal Volume 101 Issue 3 Yale Law Journal Article 4 1991 Gregory M. McAndrew Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/ylj Recommended Citation Gregory M. McAndrew,,

More information

6:13-cv BHH Date Filed 05/18/15 Entry Number 97 Page 1 of 21 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA

6:13-cv BHH Date Filed 05/18/15 Entry Number 97 Page 1 of 21 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA 6:13-cv-02471-BHH Date Filed 05/18/15 Entry Number 97 Page 1 of 21 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA American Humanist Association, John Doe and Joe Doe as parents

More information

Their Own Preposessions: The Establishment Clause

Their Own Preposessions: The Establishment Clause Scholarly Commons @ UNLV Law Scholarly Works Faculty Scholarship 2001 Their Own Preposessions: The Establishment Clause 1999-2000 Leslie C. Griffin University of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School

More information

An exploration of school leadership issues relating to the December Dilemma

An exploration of school leadership issues relating to the December Dilemma Journal of Case Studies in Education An exploration of school leadership issues relating to the December Dilemma ABSTRACT Anna L. Fox University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Austin Vasek University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

More information

Case 1:14-cv RBJ Document 105 Filed 07/17/18 USDC Colorado Page 1 of 17

Case 1:14-cv RBJ Document 105 Filed 07/17/18 USDC Colorado Page 1 of 17 Case 1:14-cv-02878-RBJ Document 105 Filed 07/17/18 USDC Colorado Page 1 of 17 Civil Action No. 14-cv-02878-RBJ IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO Judge R. Brooke Jackson AMERICAN

More information

Religious Expression

Religious Expression Religious Expression Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the

More information

Representative Nino Vitale

Representative Nino Vitale Representative Nino Vitale Ohio House District 85 Sponsor Testimony on HB 36 February 8 th, 2017 Good morning Chairman Ginter, Vice-Chair Conditt and Ranking Member Boyd. Thank you for the opportunity

More information

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT A.M., a minor, by her Parent and Next Friend, JOANNE MCKAY, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs.

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT A.M., a minor, by her Parent and Next Friend, JOANNE MCKAY, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs. IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT A.M., a minor, by her Parent and Next Friend, JOANNE MCKAY, Plaintiff-Appellant, vs. TACONIC HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT; DR. MARK SPOSATO,

More information

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES ROWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA v. NANCY LUND, ET AL. ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT No. 17 565. Decided

More information

Legal Memorandum on Public Celebration of Religious Holidays

Legal Memorandum on Public Celebration of Religious Holidays Post Office Box 540774 Orlando, FL 32854-0774 Telephone: 407 875 1776 Facsimile: 407 875 0770 www.lc.org 122 C St. N.W., Ste. 360 Washington, DC 20005 Telephone: 202 289 1776 Facsimile: 202 216 9656 Post

More information

Religious Freedom Policy

Religious Freedom Policy Religious Freedom Policy 1. PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY 2 POLICY 1.1 Gateway Preparatory Academy promotes mutual understanding and respect for the interests and rights of all individuals regarding their beliefs,

More information

June 19, Re: Unconstitutional Graduation Sermon. Dear Ms. English & Mr. Mecham,

June 19, Re: Unconstitutional Graduation Sermon. Dear Ms. English & Mr. Mecham, June 19, 2014 Cecelia English Superintendent, Morongo Unified School District 5715 Utah Trail Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 cecelia_english@morongo.k12.ca.us Jared Mecham Executive Director, Hope Academy

More information

SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY DOCKET NO. A (079277)

SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY DOCKET NO. A (079277) SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY DOCKET NO. A-71-16 (079277) Freedom from Religion Foundation, et al. Civil Action v. Petitioners-Appellants On Certification from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery

More information

1-800-TELL-ADF MEMORANDUM. Constitutional Rights of Students, Teachers, and Public Schools to Seasonal Religious Expression

1-800-TELL-ADF MEMORANDUM. Constitutional Rights of Students, Teachers, and Public Schools to Seasonal Religious Expression 1-800-TELL-ADF MEMORANDUM DATE: Christmas 2011 FROM: RE: Alliance Defense Fund Constitutional Rights of Students, Teachers, and Public Schools to Seasonal Religious Expression The Alliance Defense Fund

More information