It is a common practice in classrooms for teachers to display student work on walls and bulletin boards as a way to showcase accomplishments, encourage learning, and create an engaging environment. This standard procedure allows students to feel proud of their work while also helping their peers learn from examples of varying skill levels and concepts. However, when certain topics are broached in student assignments, such as religious expression, it can raise complex legal issues regarding the protections of the First Amendment. The First Amendment establishes restrictions on the establishment of religion in government entities like public schools as well as protecting an individual’s free exercise of religious beliefs. When student work touches on religious subject matter, schools must carefully consider both the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment to avoid discriminating against religious viewpoints while also not appearing to endorse or sponsor any particular religion through displayed materials.

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