A parent complains about a local school district's new policy allowing community religious organizations to use public school facilities to conduct meetings involving students during school hours.Which of the following statements is most consistent with Supreme Court precedents in comparable cases?
Answer
A
Religious expression is not allowed in publicly funded buildings, including public schools.
B
These organizations have a constitutional right to the free exercise of religion in any public place, including schools.
C
The wall of separation principle restricts public schools from promoting or endorsing religious beliefs to students in their care.
D
Religious organizations may use public facilities as long as the government has approved the content of their religious beliefs.
Explanation
Supreme Court precedents distinguish between allowing private religious groups equal access to public facilities and having a public school promote or endorse religion. A school may not use its authority or school-day activities to advance religious beliefs to students in its care; this reflects the separation of government and religion. Choice C states that principle. Choice A is too broad because private religious groups can sometimes use public facilities on the same terms as other groups.
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