Religion and Schools timeline

Scopes v. State of Tennessee

Jul 21, 1925

This case was held in the state of Tennessee. This case was about the theory of evolution being taught in a school biology class. They argued that it was against religion to teach evolution when they are told differently in the bible. Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution and fined 100 dollars, the case, however, was later overturned due to a technicality.

McCollum v. Board of Education

Mar 8, 1948

This case was held in Champagne Illinois. The schools were aiding in providing religious classes, and the schools were using their tax money to do so. The classes were 30 to 45 minutes long. The mother argued that it was unconstitutional to make her child sit through classes that they did not believe in. The court said the classes were unconstitutional.

Zorach v. Clauson

Apr 28, 1952

This case was held in New York City. The school was allowing the students to leave school early for religious practices, but they had to have a note from home and the religious place had to keep the attendance of the students who were attending. The court upheld that practice saying it did not violate the first amendment.

Engle v. Vitale

Jun 25, 1962

This case was held in New York. The court came to the conclusion that it was unconstitutional for state officials to require that public schools have a required prayer for every day before class.

Stone v. Graham

Nov 17, 1980

This case was held in Kentucky. The court had come to the conclusion that it is unconstitutional to have the ten commandments up on the wall of classrooms and said that it had no secular legislative purpose and had no reason to be in the classroom.

Wallace v. Jaffree

Jun 4, 1985

This was held in Alabama. An Alabama law authorized teachers to conduct regular religious prayer services and activities in school classrooms during the school day. The court decided that this violated the first amendment.

Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia

Jun 29, 1995

This court case was held at the University of Virginia. The university refused to fund a religious publication although the publication met all the criteria of an organization that should be funded. The court said that it was unconstitutional for colleges to refuse to fund based on religious affiliation.

Santa Fe independent School District v. Doe

Jun 19, 2000

This case was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was a case about student-led prayer at football games and was found unconstitutional because it violates the establishment clause of the first amendment. Therefore the school couldn't permit the students to lead a prayer and they were told they must do it in private.