If the intent is to make students Catholic, or even generic Christian, that would be a violation.
If the intent is to make students aware of particular religions, in this case Christian generally and Catholic specifically, then it seems a closer question. But given the legitimate motives, or at least the availability of them, I don't see much of a problem here in the abstract.
But some teacher could certainly take it over the line. Like a creationist one of my sons had for social studies around 8th grade who defined religion in a way that excluded all but Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and marked other answers on the multiple guess question wrong. Any legitimate purpose for a good aim can be perverted.
Steve
On Thursday, March 11, 2004, at 03:49 PM, Will Linden wrote:
However, it drew yet another post noting that "In California the 4th graders have to do a California Missions project, and often they go on a field trip to see a Mission. I have never heard of anyone of refusing to build a Mission project on religious grounds. Since the Missions, like the Ziggurats, are part of the history curriculum, it would be an interesting question." I agree that it would, and herewith ask opinions of the list on whether the "Mission" unit raises First Amendment issues.
--
Prof. Steven D. Jamar vox: 202-806-8017
Howard University School of Law fax: 202-806-8428
2900 Van Ness Street NW mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Washington, DC 20008 http://www.law.howard.edu/faculty/pages/jamar
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
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