The second clause of The First Amendment prohibits the "establishment" of a state sponsored religion as well as prohibiting the "free exercise" thereof. We examined and discussed what these words mean. Olivia defined "secular" and then talked about Jefferson's comment that the First Amendment created " a wall of separation between church and state." We examined various fact patterns that constitute a prohibited "establishment " of religion such as prayer in public schools, and prayer at pubic school football games, and contrasted them to permitted state actions such as funding secular activities at parochial schools such as providing bus transportation or , purchasing computer equipment. We then noted the sanctioned ceremonial references to God on our money and in the pledge of allegiance. Olivia offered interesting views and analyses on which activities she considered an infringement of the establishment clause. We then began a review of the free exercise clause by discussing the hypothetical where a Muslim woman refuses to remove her head scarf for a picture at the Dept. Of Motor Vehicles in connection with securing a license. For homework, I assigned reading pages 455-457 and answering study guide questions. 4-7. We will shortly complete this unit and then begin reviewing for the final exam which will be given next week.