A Pennsylvania statute requiring the daily reading of the Bible in the public schools has been challenged in Federal Court here in a test which may end up before the United States Supreme Court.
Suit was brought by Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Schempp of Roslyn, Pa., who charged that the Pennsylvania law–part of the state school code–was unconstitutional. Their son Ellery, in what he termed a test of religious freedom, attempted to read the Koran but was told he had to listen to the Bible recitations.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.