Religion in the Schools

Religion in schools has become a controversial issue in recent years. Establishing policies and guidelines that honor the separation of church and state while protecting students' religious rights and freedoms can present a challenge.

Use of religious materials in a curriculum or instructional programs, display of religious symbols, school prayer, and sponsored religious events or groups on school property are all issues that may evoke high emotional responses within the school and student body, as well as in the community. Doster Guin attorneys are available to help address these sensitive matters at the level where they occur, whether it involves classroom treatment of religious issues, policy reviews, representation before the Office of Civil Rights or school board, or defending lawsuits that may be filed.

School religion issues include:

• Displaying or wearing religious symbols, carrying a Bible or other religious text
• Free exercise of student religion and religious liberty
• Establishment clause
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Religious events on school property
• Holiday and religious-themed materials in the classroom, such as the 10 Commandments
• Comparative religion issues

Additional resources and information about religion in the schools:

Educator Resources

FAQs

Contact Us About Separation of Church and State Issues

To discuss your legal concerns about religion in your school, please contact us online, call our Chesterfield, Missouri office at 636.532.0042, our Collinsville, Illinois office at 618.301.4060 or our Kansas City office at 816.531.1888. Our lawyers are available to assist you. We serve clients throughout Missouri, Illinois and Kansas.

This Web site is designed to provide general information about our legal services. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, or have any other question about our practice, please e-mail us or call our St. Louis/Chesterfield office 636.532.0042, our Kansas City, Missouri, office 816.531.1888, or our Collinsville, Illinois office 618.301.4060 to arrange a consultation with an attorney with the appropriate experience.