A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR RELEASE                              Contact:  Kathryn Kahler    August 17, 1995                                    (202) 401-3026

Riley Sends Guidance on Religion and Schools

Citing the "need to find a new common ground" in a sometimes "divisive debate about religion in our public schools," U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley today sent a statement of principles to the nation's school superintendents.

Last month [July 12], President Clinton expressed concern that some school officials and community members incorrectly assume that schools must be "religion free zones." To clarify the issue, Clinton asked Riley, in consultation with Attorney General Janet Reno, to provide school officials with guidance, describing the extent to which religious expression and activities are permitted in public schools.

In a cover letter, Riley said it is his "sincere hope that these principles will help to end much of the confusion regarding religious expression in public schools and that they can provide a basis for school officials, teachers, parents and students to work together."

Riley said the guidance is based on two basic and equally important obligations established by the First Amendment: (1) schools may not forbid students who act on their own from expressing personal religious views or beliefs solely because they are of a religious nature, and (2) schools may not endorse religious activity or doctrine, nor may they coerce participation in religious activities.

Copies of the statement of principles are available to the public by calling 1-800-USA-LEARN.