Know the Legal Stuff

When you walk into your school, you do not suddenly cease to be an American citizen. The First Amendment still applies to you. Here are the things you can legally do at school. On the other hand, you never want to insist on these things in an obnoxious and disrespectful way. If you need to do so, humbly and patiently share these facts with school administrators. But remember showing them the love of God is more important than what they will or won't allow you to do.

What to Know


I. You are allowed to meet with other religious students
The Equal Access Act allows students the freedom to meet on campus for the purpose of  discussing religious issues.

II. You are allowed to identify your religious beliefs through signs / symbols
Students are free to express their religious beliefs through signs and symbols on clothing and other personal articles.

III. You are allowed to talk about your religious beliefs on campus
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right mandated by the U.S. Constitution and does not
exclude the public school campus.

IV. You are allowed to share religious literature on campus
Distributing literature on campus may not be restricted simply because it is religious.

V. You are allowed to pray on campus
Students may pray alone or with others so long as it does not disrupt school activities, or is not forced on others.


VI. You are allowed to carry or study your Bible on campus
The Supreme Court has said that only state-directed Bible reading is unconstitutional.

VII. You are allowed to do research papers, speeches, and creative projects with religious themes
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not forbid all mention of religion in public schools.

VIII. You are allowed to be exempt
Students may be exempt from activities and class content that contradicts their religious beliefs.

IX. You are allowed to celebrate or study religious holidays on campus
Music, art, literature, and drama that have religious themes are permitted as part of the curriculum for school activities if presented in an objective manner as a traditional part  of the cultural and religious heritage of the particular holiday.

X. You are allowed to meet with school officials
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution forbids Congress to make any law that would restrict the right of people  to petition the Government (school officials, in this case).