Lee+v+Weisman


 * __Court Basics:__**

Docket No. 90-1014

Petitioner Lee

Respondent Weisman

Decided By Rehnquist Court (1991-1993)

Opinion 505 U.S. 577 (1992)

Argued Wednesday, November 6, 1991

Decided Wednesday, June 24, 1992

__**Background Information:**__ In keeping with the practice of several other public middle and high school principals in Providence, Rhode Island, Robert E. Lee, a middle school principal, invited a rabbi to speak at his school's graduation ceremony. Daniel Weisman's daughter, Deborah, was among the graduates. Hoping to stop the rabbi from speaking at his daughter's graduation, Weisman sought a temporary restaining order in District Court - but was denied. After the ceremony, where prayers were recited, Weisman filed for a permanent injunction barring Lee and other Providence public school officials from inviting clergy to deliver invocations and benedictions at their schools' ceremonies. When the Court of Appeals affirmed a District Court ruling against the schools, Lee appealed to the Supreme Court and was granted certiorari.

__**Conclusion:**__ **Decision:** 5 votes for Weisman, 4 vote(s) against

__**Legal provision:**__ Establishment of Religion In a 5-to-4 decision, the Court held that government involvement in this case creates "a state-sponsored and state-directed religious exercise in a public school." Such conduct conflicts with settled rules proscribing prayer for students. The school's rule creates subtle and indirect coercion (students must stand respectfully and silently), forcing students to act in ways which establish a state religion. The cornerstone principle of the Establishment Clause is that government may not compose official prayers to recite as part of a religious program carried on by government.