INTRODUCTION America’s public schools grow increasingly hostile towards religion. School districts routinely censor private religious expression in the name of a distorted view of the “separation of church and state.” Worse, such government hostility coerces religious students and teachers to hide their faith, creating the impression that religion has no place in the school environment. But the U.S. Constitution and other laws protect the religious liberty of students and teachers in public schools. First Liberty Institute has advised many students and teachers about their rights to religious liberty in America’s public schools. Our guidance has helped them protect their ability to share their faith on campus without fear of government censorship or punishment. First Liberty Institute is a nationwide, nonprofit law firm dedicated to protecting religious freedom for all Americans, at no cost to our clients. Our President and CEO, Kelly Shackelford , has over 30 years of experience defending the constitutional rights of students and teachers like you. We have carefully summarized our recommendations over the years to develop this Religious Liberty Protection Kit. First Liberty wants you to know your rights and be empowered and confident to live out your faith without fear. America thrives when our public schools protect faith as a daily, positive aspect of education. Thank you for the important work you do for your community and for your interest in protecting your public-school students’ and teachers’ religious liberty – our First Amendment’s First Liberty . [1] Case Precedent: 1. First Liberty Institute’s Religious Liberty Protection Kit for Students and Teachers in Public Schools provides general guidance to assist public school students and teachers in response to current legal threats to religious freedom. This document does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it is not to be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney. Because the law is constantly changing and each organization’s policies and documents are unique, First Liberty Institute and its attorneys do not warrant, either expressly or impliedly, that the law, cases, statutes, and rules discussed or cited in this guide have not been changed, amended, reversed, or revised. If you have a legal question or need legal advice, please contact an attorney. First Liberty Institute’s attorneys may be contacted by requesting legal assistance at FirstLiberty.org. August 2021
02
Introduction
QUICK START: 25 Surprising Facts About Religious Rights in School
04
06
Students’ Religious Rights in Public School
18
Teachers’ Religious Expression in Public Schools
24
Legal Rights as a Public-School Employee
26
Additional FREE Resources
28
First Liberty Clients
30
How to connect with us
For an online version of these documents go to: FirstLiberty.org/kits
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator