First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Religious Liberty FAQs

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	Frequently Asked Questions The Establishment Clause Does the Establishment Clause apply to students in a public school? How can school officials tell when a planned school action or activity might violate the Establishment Clause? If school officials are supposed to be "neutral" toward religion under the Establishment Clause, does that mean they should keep religion out of public schools? The First Amendment says that the government may not "establish" religion. What does that mean in a public school? The Free Exercise Clause What does "free exercise" of religion mean under the First Amendment? Accommodating Religious Needs and Requirements of Students How should school officials determine when they must accommodate a religious liberty claim under the Free Exercise Clause? May a teacher refuse to teach certain materials in class if she feels the curriculum infringes on her personal beliefs? May students be absent for religious holidays? May students be excused from parts of the curriculum for religious reasons? May students express their beliefs about religion in classroom assignments or at school-sponsored events? May teachers wear religious jewelry in the classroom? What should a school do if a student has a sincere religious objection to a uniform policy? School Prayer and Religious Expression Are baccalaureate services constitutional? How should teachers respond if students ask them about their religious beliefs? Is it constitutional for a public school to require a "moment of silence?" Is it legal for students to pray in public schools? May a student pray at graduation exercises or at other school-sponsored events? May schools limit the time, place, and manner of student expression? May schools prohibit students from wearing armbands or buttons that contain a political and/or religious message? May students distribute religious or political literature at school? May students express their beliefs about religion in classroom assignments or at school-sponsored events? May students share their religious faith in public schools? May teachers and administrators pray or otherwise express their faith while at school? What are the free expression rights of students in public schools under the First Amendment? Student Extracurricular Clubs and Activities Do students have the right to form religious or political clubs below the secondary level? May noncurriculum-related student groups use school media to advertise their meetings? May religious leaders or other outside adults attend the meetings of student clubs? May students form religious or political clubs in secondary public schools? May students solicit funds at school? May teachers or other school employees participate in student religious clubs? May the school exclude any student extracurricular group? What control does the school retain over student meetings in a limited open forum? What is a "noncurriculum related student group" under the Equal Access Act? Teaching About Religion Does the First Amendment require that "equal time" be given to all faiths in the public school curriculum? Is it constitutional to teach about religion in a public school? Is it legal to invite guest speakers to help teach about religion? What does it mean to teach "about" religion under the First Amendment? What is the relationship between teaching about religion and character education? Why should study about religion be included in the curriculum? Religious Holidays How should religious holidays be treated in the classroom? How should religious objections to holidays be handled? What should schools do in December? Use of School Facilities by Outside Groups Do outside groups have the right to distribute their material on campus? May public school facilities be used by outside community groups during nonschool hours? Cooperative Agreements Between Public Schools and Religious Communities May public schools and religious communities enter into cooperative agreements to help students with such programs as tutoring? Released-Time Programs May students be released for off-campus religious instruction during the school day? Last updated: Sunday, September 7, 2008 \| 16:57:40

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