Friend,

In this year's contentious back-to-school climate, face masks aren't the only source of conflict. Too many students, parents and faculty will face coercive actions to impose religion on learning. Help AU supply the tools to fight back.

Some bullies steal your lunch money; others pressure you to pray.

It’s no secret that religious extremists want to push their beliefs into public schools: Ten Commandments posters in classrooms; Bible study in 4th period; history class trips to a religious museum.

When these and other violations of religious freedom happen in K-12 public schools, it can be difficult for a student, parent or teacher to speak up. Very often, the violators are in positions of authority and those whose rights are being violated are in the minority.

What’s an offended or angered school community member to do? Protect themselves with the facts and constitutional principles of church-state separation through Americans United’s “Know Your Rights” campaign.

Help put more "Know Your Rights" materials into student, parent and teacher hands. Support AU’s campaign today.

Addressing the most commonly reported violations, AU’s guides offer straightforward and comprehensive guidance for when and how to respond. Here’s a few examples:

Students have the right to pray and express their beliefs as long as they don’t disrupt class. They can also create and join religious clubs, but schools and teachers may not establish such clubs themselves.

Coaches can’t force players to pray before a game or even suggest “voluntary" prayer. And while the Bible may be taught for its influence on literature or culture, it cannot be described as the “inspired word of God.”

Parents have a right to protest any incidence of prayer in morning announcements or at sporting events or graduation ceremonies and to contact AU if a school refuses to follow the law. And if a school allows students to form clubs, it must allow LGBTQ clubs, too. 

Information is power. Backup from an authoritative source like AU instills courage. Donate now to deliver both, and help public school communities fight back against religious coercion.

AU Staff Attorney Ian Smith, lead author of our “Know Your Rights” guides, wrote them to address the most common violations reported to us: “If these guides prevent even one child from experiencing religious coercion or discrimination, they’ll be well worth the effort.” That’s why they’re also worthy of your support.

Public schools are dealing with too many challenges this year already. They deserve our help—as champions of church-state separation—to quickly deal with threats to religious freedom. 

Make a generous gift to AU’s “Know Your Rights” campaign today.

In solidarity,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO