School districts face Oct. 1 deadline on prayer and religious expression
A 2026 Education Department guide requires ESEA-participating districts to certify their prayer policies by Oct. 1 while preserving limits on school-sponsored prayer.
Church and State
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Supreme Court to hear Colorado religious-preschool funding case
The Supreme Court will hear a November 3, 2026 dispute over whether Colorado may require religious preschools to follow equal-access rules for public funding.
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DOJ Opinion Challenges HHS Limits on Religious Use of Federal Funds
A Justice Department opinion says some HHS restrictions on religious use of direct federal funds may violate the Constitution. HHS has not announced changes.
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DoDEA history course puts Christianity and neutrality in focus
A new military-school history course uses a Christian-centered textbook, prompting scrutiny over how federally operated public schools teach religion and history.
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Texas Bible Reading List Faces Church-State Questions Before 2030
Texas approved a required English-literature list with Bible passages, but implementation is set for 2030-31 and the related rules remain procedurally proposed.
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New federal school-prayer guidance sets October 1 district deadline
The Education Department’s February guidance protects private religious expression but bars school-sponsored prayer as districts prepare for annual certifications.
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Supreme Court’s Religious-School Preschool Funding Case, Explained
The Supreme Court will review whether Colorado may require religious preschools to follow nondiscrimination rules to receive public preschool funding.
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Ninth Circuit Draws Line Between Private Prayer and School Work
The Ninth Circuit upheld limits on student-facing book displays by an Oregon school specialist while preserving stronger protection for private religious expression outside official duties.