should the celebration of religious holidays in any form be allowed in public schools?
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Should the celebration of religious holidays in any form be allowed in public schools?. Mike Riley and Holly Whittenburg. Celebrate. To observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities; to perform a religious ceremony; to have or participate in a party… (dictionary.com) . - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
SHOULD THE CELEBRATION OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS IN ANY FORM BE ALLOWED IN
PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
Mike Riley and Holly Whittenburg
Celebrate To observe a day or
commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities; to perform a religious ceremony; to have or participate in a party… (dictionary.com)
Establishment ClauseStates may not sponsor or endorse a religion or religions.
Allegheny County v. Greater Pittsburgh ACLU
Government may acknowledge Christmas as a cultural phenomenon, but under the First Amendment it may not observe it as a Christian holy day
Engel v. Vitale The School District of Abington Township v.
Schempp The Supreme Court struck down a school
prayer as unconstitutional, even though it was nondenominational and participation was voluntary
Coercion can be indirect Compulsory attendance laws
Torcaso v. Watkins The Supreme Court held that
freedom of religion includes the freedom not to believe and that public institutions cannot force people to profess belief, nor can they aid one or all religions
Skoros v. New York No need for religious depictions
when secular depictions will suffice
Stone v. Graham It has been ruled that the Ten
Commandments and the Crucifix violate the Establishment Clause
Should the celebration of religious holidays in any form be allowed in public schools?
Final thoughts Establishment Clause Coercion can be indirect Compulsory attendance laws No need for religious depictions when secular
will do Cannot favor any or all religions