Final answer:
The Supreme Court has set guidelines based on the Establishment Clause that allow for religious expression without coercion in public schools. Key cases like Engel v. Vitale and Agostini v. Felton have shaped the balance between freedom of expression and the establishment of religion. Students may have the right to attend religious classes under certain conditions that avoid government endorsement of religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Supreme Court ruled that public school students can attend religious classes during school if certain conditions are met as per the Establishment Clause. While not expressly mentioning a case that directly allows students to attend religious classes during school hours without further context, major related cases such as Engel v. Vitale have addressed the intersection of religion and public education. Engel v. Vitale specifically declared the unconstitutional nature of state-mandated prayer in schools, suggesting that similarly state-enforced religious classes might similarly be impermissible. However, under Agostini v. Felton, the Court allowed for payment of public school teachers by federal funds to teach secular subjects in private religious schools, showing some flexibility regarding the separation of church and state when dealing with educational issues.In various outcomes, the Court has attempted to navigate the fine line between allowing for the free expression of religion and avoiding the establishment of religion. The main answer to questions regarding prayer and religion in schools is often layered, due to the Court's efforts to balance liberty with the necessary order and neutrality in a public school setting. Discomfort in and of itself by nonreligious students during a prayer does not render the practice unconstitutional, but the compelling or coercing of students to participate in religious exercises does. This is because it would involve the use of government authority and resources to establish religion.Conclusion: Students' rights to attend religious classes during school are shaped by a complex interpretation of the Constitution, specifically the Establishment Clause and various Supreme Court decisions. While there is room for religious education in certain contexts, it must not infringe upon the constitutional separation of church and state or coerce participation.