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 Clause

States 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