Constitutional Law – Separation of Church and State – Bible Reading in the Public Schools

The plaintiff, as a citizen, taxpayer, and parent of school children, sought an injunction to restrain the defendant school board from allowing school teachers to read the Bible aloud to students as required by a Tennessee statute. The plaintiff contended that this practice was offensive to him and in violation of the Tennessee and United States Constitutions. The trial court sustained defendant’s demurrer. On appeal, held, affirmed. The statute violates neither constitution because it is not an interference with students’ or parents’ religious beliefs. Carden v. Bland, (Tenn. 1956) 288 S. W. (2d) 718.