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A Day of Silence, a Day of Truth, and a Lawsuit

This case study focuses on issues of freedom of speech and freedom of religion in public schools. It involves a rural, southern high school where a group of students participated in a Day of Silence. The school allowed the students to participate based on the principal’s understanding of the students’ First Amendment rights. However, the next day, the principal prohibited a student from participating in a Day of Truth. She believed that student participation in a Day of Truth could be viewed as the school’s endorsement of religion and violates the doctrine of separation of church and state. The principal’s decision had far reaching consequences in this religiously conservative community, including a lawsuit against the school district. This case study provides an opportunity for both practicing and aspiring school leaders to explore a number of administrative, legal, and ethical dilemmas utilizing a framework grounded in the principles of social justice, equity, and diversity. Students can reflect on and engage with both legal and social justice issues through reading and discussing this case. Hopefully, this case study will lead to a discussion of queer issues using an authentic school story.