ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the nature and scope of federal, state, and local authority to regulate the public school curriculum. Constitutional objections to religious observances in public schools are reviewed in detail, including prayers, moments of silence, holiday music, and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms, at board meetings, graduation ceremonies, and sporting events. The chapter then examines the study of religious materials, released time policies, and curricular controversies including the teaching of evolution, creationism, gender identity, and the supernatural. The chapter then examines federal legislation including the Copyright Act, the Hatch Amendment, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
