ABSTRACT
Sections 2.4 and 2.5 discussed the authority of federal and state governments to regulate the programs of private schools and home-based education. This chapter examines the role of federal and state governments and local schools boards in controlling the educational program of public schools. Based on the Constitution and a number of federal statutes, parents, students, and school personnel have challenged prayer and other religious observances in public schools, the teaching of evolution and creationism, the Pledge of Allegiance, sex education programs, and an array of school policies and programs deemed objectionable or discriminatory.
