The Changing Landscape of Religious Expression in US Public Schools

By: Brett A. Geier

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Synopsis: This book explores the intersection of issues related to religion and state in public schools in the United States. Framed through a study of the landmark 2022 Supreme Court case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, where a high school football coach's post-game prayers at midfield became the centerpiece of a major ruling on religious expression in public schools, the book analyzes how this case represents a significant shift in the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Establishment Clause, particularly under the Roberts Court, which has increasingly favored religious freedom claims over strict separation of church and state. Through eleven chapters, Geier explores the historical context of religion in American public schools, the rise and fall of the Lemon test, the influence of Christian Nationalism, and provides a detailed analysis of both the majority opinion written by Justice Gorsuch and the dissent by Justice Sotomayor. Drawing from his experience as a public school administrator and legal researcher, Geier argues that this ruling signals a new era where individual religious rights are being prioritized over Establishment Clause concerns in public schools, potentially leading to increased religious expression in educational settings.