If you are aware of a possible violation, contact the FFRF using their Report a Violation Page

• CFFC Brochure

• FFRF/CFFC Memo to public schools

• FFRF web page and brochure

#1 Prayer at School Events

Schools may not invite anyone to give any type of prayer, invocation, or benediction at any public school event. Even student-led prayer at a school event is impermissible.

#2 Staff Involvement in Religious clubs

School teachers/coaches/administrators/volunteers may not lead students in prayer, encourage students to pray, schedule or participate in student-initiated prayer, or otherwise endorse religion to students while acting in their government roles. This includes a coach’s silent participation in prayer. Students remain free to pray on their own. Staff advisors for non-curricular clubs such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes cannot be anything other than chaperones.

#3 School-Sponsored Religious events

School programming, including graduations, testing, choir recitals, award ceremonies, and plays, should not occur in churches. Budget or other considerations cannot trump students’ rights.

#4 Graduation in Churches and BACCALAUREATES

Baccalaureate programs are religious services that include prayer and worship. Schools and staff may not plan, design, or supervise baccalaureate programs. This includes the use of public school time, newsletters, equipment, email, or other resources to advertise, announce, or invite students and their parents to baccalaureates.

#5 Access to Students by Pastors and Others

Schools may not offer religious groups or individuals unique access to school property to befriend and proselytize to students. Clubs and athletic teams cannot appoint or employ a chaplain or seek out a spiritual leader for the team. Renaming a religious figure a “life coach” or other title to “get around” the law does not pass muster. Schools may not allow pastors, religious youth groups, or churches onto school grounds during the school day (e.g., in the lunch room) to talk with students.

#6 Teaching Creationism in the CLassroom

Teaching creationism or intelligent design in a public school is unlawful. Schools cannot prohibit the teaching of evolution. Schools may not read a disclaimer before teaching evolution. Schools cannot offer “balanced treatment for creation science and evolution science.”

#7 Churches Meeting in Schools

Schools may not grant a fee waiver or lower rental rate to a church or religious organization. Churches may not use school property in any way during non-rental hours—including advertising on campus, storing equipment, or parking vehicles.

#8 REligious Literature Distribution

It is unconstitutional for schools to permit either direct or passive distribution of bibles or religious literature as part of the public school day.

#9 Compelling PledgeS of Allegiance

Compelling a student to stand or recite the pledge and salute the flag infringes upon a student’s First Amendment rights. Schools cannot punish students for exercising this right.

#10 Denial of Atheist Student Clubs

Schools cannot deny an atheist or non-believer club the same rights as other non-curricular student clubs. Schools may not privilege religious clubs over other clubs.

#11 ReliGious Displays on Campus

Schools may not display religious iconography such as the Ten Commandments, religious messages, or pictures of Jesus.

#12 VOluntary Participation in Religious Events

Public schools that host religious events often excuse them by calling them "voluntary." Students are a captive audience who, as the Supreme Court has stated repeatedly, cannot be required to forfeit rights or benefits as the price of resisting state-sponsored religious practices.