Page 30 - Heavenly Signs III by Mel Gable

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lower court ruling by implementing strict guidelines banning pre-game prayer. It also warned senior Marian
Ward, elected by fellow students to deliver religious messages before football games, that she would be
disciplined if she prayed. Ward's family filed suit in September arguing that the guidelines violated her free speech
rights. A U.S. District Court judge agreed that the guidelines the school had written were unconstitutional and
ruled that the school could not censor Ward's speech. A majority of Americans will also be unhappy about this
controversial decision. It was in a news poll which said two-thirds of Americans thought students should be
permitted to lead such prayers. It appears the courts do not understand “We the People.”

We the People of the United States of America – The U.S. Eagle Falls (1787- CCASA)

Court Decisions

1940 Supreme Court rules that a public school may require students to salute the flag and pledge allegiance even if it violates their
religious scruples. (Minersville v. Gobitis,)
1943 Court overturns Gobitis but is broader in its scope. No one can be forced to salute the flag or say the pledge of allegiance if it
violates the individual conscience. (West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette)
1948 Court finds religious instruction in public schools a violation of the establishment clause and therefore unconstitutional.
(McCollum v. Board of Education)
1952 Court finds that release time from public school classes for religious instruction does not violate the establishment clause.
(Zorach v. Clausen)
1962 Court finds school prayer unconstitutional. (Engel v. Vitale)
1963 Court finds Bible reading over school intercom unconstitutional. (Abington School District v. Schempp)
1963 Court finds forcing a child to participate in Bible reading and prayer unconstitutional. (Murray v. Curlett)
1968 Court says the state cannot ban the teaching of evolution. (Epperson v. Arkansas).
1980 Court finds posting of the Ten Commandments in schools unconstitutional. (Stone v. Graham)
1985 Court finds state law enforcing a moment of silence in schools had a religious purpose and is therefore unconstitutional.
(Wallace v. Jaffree)
1987 Court finds state law requiring equal treatment for creationism has a religious purpose and is therefore unconstitutional.
(Edwards v. Aquillard)