Jean Riley is the principal of a small elementary school in a metropolitan school district. One of her best
teachers asked her first graders to make a poster depicting things for which they were thankful. One student
made a poster expressing thanks for Jesus. Posters were displayed in the school's hallway. The student's
poster was removed but later returned in a less prominent place. The next year, the student was chosen to
read a story to the class. The student selected an adaptation of a biblical story.
Discussion Questions:
- Should the student be permitted to read his biblical story? Why or why not?
- What is the legal issue surrounding both the poster and the biblical story?
- What legal risks does the school incur (if any) if it permits both of these activities?
- What legal risks does the school incur if it denies both of these practices?
- How would the courts likely rule on this case? Provide a rationale for your response, including relevant case
law.
Part II.
According to Hedy Weinberg, ACLU-TN's Executive Director, "Decisions about whether and how to educate
children about religion belong in the hands of families and faith communities, not public school systems." Is this
what it means to get religion right in the public schools? Explain.
Part III.
Based on the readings this week, what issue related to religion in the public schools might be evident in your
school district?