West+Virginia+Board+of+Education+et.+al.+v.+Barnette

The issue surrounding this case was whether or not a student had to salute the flag when that practice violated their religious beliefs. The historical background involved with case relates to two clauses regarding religion in the First Amendment. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from establishing any sort of official religion. The Free Exercise Clause forbids the government from restricting a person's religious practices.
 * Case:** West Virginia Board of Education et. al. v. Barnette (1943)


 * Ruling:** The U.S. Supreme Court decided that based on the Establishment Clause, fostering patriotism by saluting the flag was not enough to overcome the student's right to religious freedom.


 * Impact:** Students don't have to salute the flag when the national anthem is sung or the Pledge of Allegiance is recited.

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