No Religious Carols for N.J. Students
Updated 11:01 AM EST, Wed, Nov 25, 2009
Children won't be singing religious songs over the Christmas holiday in one New Jersey school district.
The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia upheld the Maplewood-South Orange school district's ban on celebratory religious music.
The three-judge panel on Tuesday said constitutional principles require public schools to remain strictly secular environments.
The court said public school administrations can determine which songs are appropriate according to constitutional guidelines to create a secular "inclusive environment.''
Parent Michael Stratechuk sued in 2004, saying the ban violated the First Amendment's freedom of worship provision.
His lawyer, Robert Muise says he'll ask the court to rehear the case and may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Copyright Associated Press
First Published: Nov 25, 2009 6:52 AM EST
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