Final answer:
The rights for student religious groups to hold meetings at schools on the same basis as other groups were affirmed by the Supreme Court in Rosenberger v. University of Virginia, and further supported by the Equal Access Act of 1984. However, these rights are balanced with limitations set by landmark cases like Engel v. Vitale to prevent school-endorsed religious practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Student religious groups were given the same rights as other school groups to hold meetings at schools by the decision in Rosenberger v. University of Virginia. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that excluding religious groups from funding available to other secular groups, using student dues, was a violation of free speech rights. This ruling prevents public universities from discriminating against student groups based on their religious viewpoint when distributing resources.
Moreover, the Equal Access Act of 1984 allows student-led religious groups the same access to school facilities as other noncurricular clubs, as long as the school receives federal funds and has a limited open forum. This act effectively provides a framework for religious and secular student organizations to operate on equal footing when it comes to using school property for meetings.
However, the Supreme Court has also set boundaries to ensure that schools do not endorse specific religious practices, which could be considered unconstitutional under the establishment clause. Notably, mandatory or government-led prayers in public schools have been deemed unconstitutional in cases like Engel v. Vitale, while voluntary, non-disruptive prayer by students is permitted because it represents free exercise of religion.