Consider the following cases:

Imagine you were a school official overseeing the leadership of one of these schools. What position would you take? How would you manage the diverse opinions under your supervision?

µses for religious school students? (Everson v. Board of Education, 1947)

Under a New Jersey law, the state paid for the transportation of students attending private religious schools. A citizen objected to this subsidy on the grounds that it was a violation of (e establishment clause/f the First Amendment. In 1947 the Supreme Court ruled on this case.

`state-authorized prayer in public schools? (Engel v. Vitale, 1962)

lmighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessing upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our Country./p>

The New York State Board of Regents prepared this prayer for use in public schools. The board of education in New Hyde Park, New York, then directed the school districtàprincipal to have the prayer recited by students in every class at the beginning of each school day.

A group of New Hyde Park parents challenged the prayer as ïntrary to the beliefs, religions, or religious practices of both themselves and their children!nd filed a suit to eliminate it. In 1962 the Supreme Court ruled on the case (Shapiro, 2011).

For this Discussion, you consider the critical issue of separation of church and state in school settings as it relates to leadership.

Note: Search for the results of these Supreme Court decisions if you are curious of the outcomes.To prepare:

Review the Anti-Defamation League site included in the Learning Resources. Select a case of interest to review.

Search your state/locality court decisions on the separation of church and state.

Post a response to the following questions/topics:

Discuss decisions made by the Supreme Court that address åparation of church and state./p>

If you are not in the United States, discuss how religious influences interact with the schools. Explain what government decisions and/or documents regulate these interactions.

Then, explain the legal and ethical implications of åparation of church and state(or similar concept) on leadership in educational settings today. What are the unique responsibilities of a school leader in relation to this topic?