Charles Haynes could refer to: (wikipedia)
I think the school is very smart to put this in the handbook,
O'Connor could be the key vote here. She would support keeping RFRA applicable to the federal government, which is one of the issues in that case.
Americans are deeply divided over homosexuality in our society. But if school officials and community members use the ground rules of the First Amendment, they can reach agreement on how public schools can guard the rights of all students in a safe learning environment.
Some of the courses I've encountered around the country over 20 years would not pass muster in a court of law. They're closer to Sunday School than legitimate academic courses.
There is a difference between what is required and what is the right thing to do.
These are cases courts like the least; they stir raw emotions. Whatever they decide will be misunderstood; I don't think any side will be happy with the result. Even the winning side loses because of the deep divisions that will result.
This is not about compromising convictions. This is about finding ways to work and live together as American citizens.
I think change in this area could be quite dramatic. All the 5-4 decisions could go the other way.
Generally speaking, private and religious schools are not subject to the First Amendment.
The broader issue is there are many U.S. conservative Christians who feel that public schools have become hostile to their faith.
