School District V. Schempp - 1618 Words

Abington School District v. Schempp is a 1963 Supreme Court Case that challenged religious prayer and teachings in Pennsylvania public schools. The Pennsylvania law made it a requirement for schools in all districts to read from the Bible (at least 10 verses) every day before class began. There was also a clause included in the state action that allowed for any child to be excused from the reading with specific permission from their parent or guardian. The question that this case asks is if it is unconstitutional for public schools to mandate children to partake in Bible teachings and practices before classes began. The reason this case was heard in front of the Supreme court is because the Abington School District wanted to reverse an earlier decision by a district court. The district court decided in favor of the Schempp family and found that forced prayer in public schools, even with an opt out clause, still violates the Constitution under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Once the case was heard in front of the United States Supreme Court, eight out of the nine justices agreed with the previous district court’s ruling and found that prayer in public schools is unconstitutional. II. In Abington, Pennsylvania, the Schempp Family sent their two children to Abington Senior High. The eldest son, Ellory, had graduated previously and was exempt from the case. The case was brought forward by the father, Edward Schempp, on behalf of his children Roger and Donna. TheyShow MoreRelatedSchool District V. Schempp : Establishment Clause1178 Words   |  5 PagesAbington School District v. Schempp Markham, 2 Abington School District v. Schempp Markham, 1 Abington School District v. Schempp: Establishment Clause Jordan Markham Liberty High School 2A Many people in today?s society are caught taking advantage of the rights they have been given. As the Americans we are, we have rights that pertain to freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition. 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As said by Richard W.Riley Public schools can neither foster religion nor preclude