505 U.S. 577 (1992)
Lee v. Weisman is a landmark Supreme Court case that addresses the intersection of religion and public education, particularly focusing on the constitutionality of prayer at public school graduation ceremonies.
Does a public school's inclusion of a prayer at a graduation ceremony violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?
The Supreme Court applied the coercion test to determine whether the school's practice of allowing a prayer at graduation constituted an endorsement of religion that would coerce students to participate in religious activities. The Court emphasized that the Establishment Clause not only prohibits the government from establishing a religion but also from favoring one religion over another or coercing individuals into religious observance.
The Supreme Court held that the inclusion of a prayer at a public school graduation ceremony violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Court ruled that the school's practice constituted an endorsement of religion and created a coercive environment for students, thereby infringing upon their rights to religious freedom and non-participation in religious activities.
Lee v. Weisman is a pivotal case in the realm of constitutional law, particularly regarding the interpretation of the Establishment Clause. It serves as a critical reference point for subsequent cases involving religious expression in public schools and other government settings. The ruling has influenced how courts assess the constitutionality of religious activities in public institutions, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals from coercive religious practices.