Chapter 2: Religious Freedom, Public School, and the Law

This chapter seeks to serve as a succinct foundation of education law regarding religious freedom and public schools for teacher educators, teachers, administrators, and parents. In order for the readers of this book to fully understand the rights and responsibilities of teachers and students in public schools across the nation, we must begin with a general understanding of the law. Public school educators are acting government agents of the state. Therefore, recognizing the inherent responsibilities of their role is paramount to their work with students, families, colleagues, and the communities in which they work.