Can You Start a Bible Study Club at School? | Westside Community Board of Education v. Mergens

The video discusses the case of Westside Community Board of Education v. Mergens, where students at Westside High School wanted to form a Christian Bible study club. Initially denied by the school, the students argued this violated the Equal Access Act and their First Amendment rights. The case went through various courts, ultimately reaching the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the students. The decision upheld the Equal Access Act, allowing religious clubs to meet on school grounds during non-instructional time, as long as it did not imply state sponsorship of religion.

What was the main reason the principal denied the formation of the Bible study club?

• The school did not have enough space.

• The club was not related to the curriculum.

• The school could not allow a staff member to sponsor it.

• The students did not have enough members.

Which court initially ruled in favor of the school district?

• The US District Court for the District of Nebraska

• The 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals

• The Supreme Court

• The State Supreme Court

What was the core issue addressed by the Supreme Court in this case?

• Whether the school had enough resources for extracurricular clubs

• Whether the principal had the authority to deny the club

• Whether the Equal Access Act violated the Establishment Clause

• Whether the Bible study club had enough members

What condition did the Supreme Court impose on the Bible study club's sponsor?

• The sponsor must be a student.

• The sponsor could not be paid.

• The sponsor must be a teacher.

• The sponsor must be a parent.

What broader implication did the Supreme Court's decision have on public schools?

• Schools can deny clubs based on popularity.

• Schools must provide funding for all clubs.

• Schools must allow all clubs, religious or not, to meet on school grounds.

• Schools can only allow clubs related to the curriculum.