religion

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Comprehensive Education Statute
The adoption of a comprehensive education statue that would directly impact the status of Christian schools would be considered unconstitutional. The new statute would probably not pass the Lemon Test. The statute must have a secular legislative purpose, have a primary effect that does not advance nor inhibit religion or interfere with religion (LaMorte, 2012, p.32). As stated the secular purpose is not noted in the discussion. All public schools are accredited or approved by the Department of Education. Private schools have a separate approval process.
Yoder vs. Wisconsin has little similarity to this case. Children from Amish families that resided in New Glarus, Wisconsin refused to attend school because of their family’s religious beliefs. The local school district and state Board of education believed that the students were truant and in violation of the states compulsory attendance law. The Supreme Court decided that the Yoder children did not have to attend public high school. The court determined that the children would not be a burden to society.
New Life Baptist Church Academy vs. Town of East Long Meadow determined that a locality could determine if a private school should be approved. The Supreme Court determined that it was the responsibility of the state to determine that all student citizens receive an “adequate education” (LaMorte, 2012, p.30). However, the approval process was determined unconstitutional because it violated the First Amendment- Establishment Clause.

Bible Club Meetings
Public schools offer many types of student clubs and extracurricular activities. Student interest drive the formation of different activities. The school system should permit the forma...

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...Court found that the theory of evolution was not a religious topic but a scientific theory. The Supreme Court when on to assert that a school district may govern a teacher’s right to free speech to assure that the teacher does not violate the First Amendment – Establishment Clause.
LeVake v. Independent School District (2002) ruled against Mr. LeVake. Mr. Rodney LeVake taught high school math and science for many years until he was required to teach high school biology. The high school biology curriculum required that students be taught the theory of evolution. LeVake felt it important to discuss the problems and inconsistencies of the theory of evolution while teaching the topic. He was moved back to teach ninth grade science. LeVake felt that his First Amendment rights had been violated. The Supreme Court refused to hear LeVake’s case in 2001 and again in 2004.

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