Mike Riley and Holly Whittenburg

 To observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities; to perform a religious ceremony; to have or participate in a party… (dictionary.com)

 States may not sponsor or endorse a religion or religions.

 Government may acknowledge Christmas as a cultural phenomenon, but under the First Amendment it may not observe it as a Christian holy day

 The Supreme Court struck down a school prayer as unconstitutional, even though it was nondenominational and participation was voluntary  Coercion can be indirect  Compulsory attendance laws

 The Supreme Court held that freedom of religion includes the freedom not to believe and that public institutions cannot force people to profess belief, nor can they aid one or all religions

 No need for religious depictions when secular depictions will suffice

 It has been ruled that the Ten Commandments and the Crucifix violate the Establishment Clause

 Final thoughts  Establishment Clause  Coercion can be indirect  Compulsory attendance laws  No need for religious depictions when secular will do  Cannot favor any or all religions