Legal Issues

Most educators in the United States are unaware of the actual law regarding religion in the public schools. This is due, in part to the complicated legal nuances around the issue of religion in the public schools. It is also due to the lack of clear, easy to understand resources about the legal issues.

This section is divided into three parts. The first part is designed to give you a quick, "rule of thumb" on what you can and cannot do in regards to religion in the public schools. This section is by no means any kind of legal advice, and I suggest you ask your supervisor or principal if you are concerned about your particular situation.

The second part is a short, Supreme Court history of the legal issues surrounding religion in the public schools. It is by no means exhaustive nor complete; its purpose is to give you an idea of the history of these issues and to show you just how complicated teaching religion can be.

The third part consists of "scenarios" of possible situations, with their legal solutions.

What is the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?