Doe v. Duncanville Independent School District
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
70 F.3d 402 (1995)
Relevant factsFree
The Duncanville Independent School District (defendant) had its middle and high school choirs sing Christian songs as their official theme songs for about 20 years, performed at the end of class, performances, and bus rides home. Jane Doe (plaintiff), a choir member, sued alleging the practice violated the Establishment Clause. The district court agreed and enjoined the district from using religious theme songs, and the district appealed.
IssueFree
Whether the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits a school only from endorsing a religion, coercing students into religious participation, or impermissibly entangling itself with religion.