FELE School Law 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The establishment clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government, including public schools, from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another. This clause is especially relevant in educational contexts, where the separation of church and state must be maintained.

School-sponsored religious activities are not permitted because such activities can be perceived as the school endorsing or promoting a particular religion. This creates an environment that may not be inclusive of all students, potentially alienating those from different faith backgrounds or those who do not subscribe to any religion. The purpose of the establishment clause is to ensure that public institutions, such as schools, remain neutral in matters of religion. Therefore, any activity that is sponsored or endorsed by the school, particularly if it involves religious practice or instruction, violates this principle.

In contrast, options such as students leading voluntary prayer, teachers attending religious events, and offering religious options in curriculum can exist within certain boundaries as they do not constitute an endorsement of religion by the school itself. These actions are permissible as long as they respect students' rights to free exercise of religion and do not promote religious viewpoints in a way that implies school endorsement.