The diversity of our nation can be traced back to its origin. Early American settlers came from various parts of Europe. Bringing with them a variety of religious backgrounds. During early colonial times dominant churches intertwined their religious teaching with the law. Colonists were often required to pay religious taxes’ and attend religious ceremonies. Those who disavowed the church due to conflicting religious beliefs were punished in the name of the lord. This series of associating religion into the high quarter of government operation and society plagued its way into the 18th century. Until there was widespread agreement amongst states that there should be no national established church. Disestablishing religion in 1833. The Establishment…show more content… Schemmp in 1963. A public school in Pennsylvania required students to read at least 10 verses from the bible, every school morning. And recite a lord’s prayer after every reading. With similar circumstances to Engel v. Vitale students were allowed to be excused from this activity. But, with a written note from their parents. A student’s mother challenged this requirement in court. The case was argued February 27th, 1963 and decided on July 17th, 1963 in favor of the plaintiff. The requirement violated the Free Exercise Clause and Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Government shall make no law “respecting an establishment of religion”. Cases involving religion in school would continue to be brought to court on numerous occasions. But their relation to government endorsement would be very minimum. This spurge would stem from religion entanglement with…show more content… Its free expression and speech, something we are all entitled to as Americans. Pointing your finger up to “God” after hitting the game winning basket is also your legal right. Grasping your teammate’s hand to lead a prayer before the game in the opponent’s locker room is unconstitutional. A coach, teammate, staff member enacting in any form of religious endorsement violates the Establishment Clause under the First Amendment. Borden v., School District of the Township of East Brunswick would underline this legality in a prompt 2008 national case. The school district of East Brunswick took their head football coach to court after his being informed about his religious engagement with his players. Marcus Borden the head coach argued that bowing his head in silence during pre-meal grace. And taking a knee with his team during locker room prayer. Was perfectly legal due to his state and federal right of free speech. Borden also claimed that the schools policy of prohibiting faculty participation in student initiated prayer was unconstitutional. The court sided with the school district ruling that Borden was endorsing religion. A concept developed by the Supreme Court in 1984 when presiding over Lynch v. Donnelly case. The endorsement test ensues whether or not the challenged law or government action. Has the effect of endorsing religion or disapproving religion amongst their
