Can a Public School Ask Students to State their Religion?
Last month, at the end of a three-year saga, the U.S. Department of Education ruled on a complaint that New Jersey parents had filed against the Cedar Grove School District. The conflict is interesting for what it suggests about overreaching school administrators and about the capacity of persistent parents who believe their kids’ rights have been violated to get things done.
Back in 2021, without giving parents prior notice, the district surveyed elementary, middle and high school students about a variety of sensitive topics, including the students’ gender identity, race, ethnicity and, in the case of high school students, religious affiliation. The district argued that it was collecting the students’ information confidentially in the interests of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
When they learned about the surveys, many parents objected. One of those parents was my colleague at St. John’s Law, Patricia Montana. As she recounts in a recent Legal Spirits podcast, with a little re
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.