This lesson concludes the unit by giving students the “actual” finding of the ninth circuit Court of Appeal for this case. Students discuss their opinions, and evaluate the decision. The unit closes with the reminder of the power and importance of civil argument, and our rights as well as responsibilities given through the first amendment.
8.2: Students analyze the political principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government.
12.2: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.
This will be assessed through teacher observation.
Present the slide and ask students to indicate to a partner what they believe the was the final decision of the U.S. Court of Appeal?
Ask students to look at their handout on the three questions from Lesson 4 (PDF) involving free exercise. Which question did the Justices apply to this case as they reversed the decision of the trial court?
(Question #3: Is there any way the government can be satisfied about this important issue without restricting the religious liberty? If answer is “No”, the law is constitutional.)
Ask students what they believe was the thinking on the part of the justices.
The court decided that the district had not tried to make changes so that the student’s religious rights did not have to be taken away (least restrictive). They made the following rules about the kirpans, and allowed the Cheema’s to return to school.
Students allowed to wear the kirpans subject to strict limitations such as:
These cases are not uncommon across the nation — just last year the Jurupa Unified School District created a policy similar to the above — without going to court.
Students may read (with your assistance) the Finding by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (PDF). It is more detailed than this slide and may be discussed.
Note: There has not been one case reported where a student of the Sikh religion has used a kirpan in an aggressive manner toward another child!
Small group: Discuss the questions on this slide and take the opportunity to talk about the importance of a civil argument and the right to do so.
Whole group: Small groups share their discussion points.
This is a great opportunity for a discussion on respect, equity and fairness, and the importance of following the Constitution, and the Rule of Law it presents. Ask for follow-up to these questions: Why, why not, and examples.
It is challenging for everyone involved to be impartial, and not to “rush” to judgment, especially when something or someone is not familiar to them. All people are equal under the law, and we must work to understand one another, and develop understanding for all points of view! Reminder: Legislature writes the laws, Executive enforces or implements, and the Judicial interprets when there is a conflict.
The law is complicated. For example, all three questions that must be considered in order to decide if the action taken was constitutional or unconstitutional may not have all have a “yes”, or all have a “no” answer. All must be considered before a final decision is decided.
We must remember that our Constitution determines rights and responsibilities of citizens. We all have the right to free exercise — or to practice our religion. We also have a responsibility to respect the rights of all. When conflicts arise, we must turn to our Judicial branch to help interpret and apply the laws fairly.