There is a great deal of confusion surrounding the issue of religion in public education
. What can and can't students do. What can and can't school officials do? Horror stories abound that describe students doing what is legally permissible, with school officials reacting in ways not legally permitted. Much of the debate is based upon pure ignorance. People just don't know the facts. On a lesser scale, students have also violated religious dos and don'ts, clashing head-on with teachers and administrators.
On August 10, 1995, Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, working under the direction of President Clinton, issued a "statement of principles" titled "Religious Expression in Public Schools."
Summary of current legalities concerning religion in public education
BIBLE READING AND PRAYER—Students may read their Bibles or other scriptures, say a prayer before meals, and pray before tests.
DISCUSSIONS—Students may attempt to persuade their peers concerning religious topics, just as they may political topics. Harassment, however, (which is not defined) is not permissible.
SCHOOL WORK—Students may use religious themes in their homework, artwork, or other assignments, and such work should be judged (graded) by ordinary academic standards.
LITERATURE—Students have the right to distribute religious literature (tracts, etc.) to their schoolmates on the same terms as they are permitted to distribute other literature.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS—Students may be excused from lessons that are objectionable on religious or other conscientious grounds.
CLOTHING—Students may wear clothing depicting religious themes, and these messages may not be singled out for suppression. They are subject to the same rules as apply to comparable messages.
ACCESS—Students may use the public address system, the school newspaper, and the school bulletin board to announce their meetings, on the same terms as other student groups. (This only applies to schools receiving federal funds.)
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David W. Barton, Original Intent: The Courts, The Constitution, and Religion (Wallbuilder Press, 1996).
Author: Provided by WallBuilders. Used with permission by Eden Communications. Copyright © 1997, WallBuilders, Inc., All Rights Reserved - except as noted on attached “Usage and Copyright” page that grants ChristianAnswers.Net users generous rights for putting this page to work in their homes, personal witnessing, churches and schools.
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