Is it legal for public schools.....?

Question

Is it legal for public schools to be sending home religious materials, such as ads for "this Sunday’s revival at this church" or "resurrection Easter egg hunt" events at local churches?

Also is it legal they hold "bible classes" as an elective during normal school hours.

Now your child doesn't have to attend...but if they do not, they sit in an empty classroom with 1 or 2 other kids or get shuffled off to another class (normally the grade below)

This often adds to childhood pressures as it becomes a reason to tease the child that didn't attend.

Are they able to do this to kids?....are the pressures of school not enough?

this is happening in NC state...please answer only if you really know something about this I do intend to take action on this matter.

Answer 1

If the "Bible classes" are historical and literary, then yes.
If the classes are religious preaching, then no it is illegal and unconstitutional as a violation of the Establishment clause.

But in the example you have, then as applied it is illegal, because the net effect is to promote one religion about the others, and to exclude those who are in the minority.

Same with the other religion-related materials. If the school is actually sponsoring the religious activities, then it is illegal. But if some private group is sponsoring the activity, and the school makes the same availability to any other religious go, then no.

The bottom line is equality. If all religions are treated equally, then there is no problem. But if a public school promotes one religion about the others, then the action is unconstitutional.

Answer 2

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" - part of 1st Amendment. It does not say freedom FROM religion. Technically, if your child is not being forced to attend, its ok.

See since prayers have been banned in schools, many have schools have opted for "elective" religion or Bible study.

I'm sure that the things being sent home are not intended to offend, but are meant as information regarding community events. Do you also complain about your child having days off for Easter and Christmas? Maybe they could bring a teacher or two in for those who do not celebrate on those days.

I would not be offended if my child brought home info about something happening at the local Synagogue or Temple. I'd just toss it if I weren't interested.

Answer 3

Wow, I've lived in NC all my life, bouncing from the Piedmont to the mountains and back down to the beach....I've never heard of such. You didn't phrase the question like a parent would, you didn't phrase it like a "kid".......I'm really having a hard time believing this is actually going on. No, under the current regs, they can't do this (even though it would be Constitutional as it was written).

Answer 4

Okay, questions like this come up all the time, and here is the deal: Yes it is legal. Those who think it isn't think that because they mistakenly think that "separation of church and state" is something that exists. It doesn't- it never has in the U.S. There are groups that want it to and have been pushing for it for decades, but it does not exist -yet. Read the Constitution - it's not there.

Answer 5

It is illegal. But then, NC hasn't yet accepted that the south lost the war and religion has been banned in public schools.

Answer 6

Well public schools teach ecology don't they. That's a form of religion. Mother Earth as God!

Answer 7

Yes, kids are exposed to everything in public school.