Can Your Religion Get You Out of School? Wisconsin v. Yoder

In 1968, three Amish students stopped attending school in Wisconsin, leading to a legal battle over compulsory education laws. The parents argued that their religious beliefs exempted them from these laws. The case escalated to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the Amish, citing the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause. This decision highlighted the balance between religious freedom and state education requirements, emphasizing that well-established religious practices could justify exemptions from compulsory education.

Why did the Amish parents decide to stop sending their children to school after eighth grade?

• They believed high school was too expensive.

• They wanted their children to start working early.

• They felt high school education conflicted with their religious beliefs.

• They thought high school was unnecessary for girls.

What was the outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling?

• The court ruled in favor of the Amish families.

• The court sided with the state of Wisconsin.

• The court imposed a higher fine on the parents.

• The court decided not to hear the case.

What was the main argument presented by Wisconsin in the U.S. Supreme Court?

• High school education is necessary for adapting to the real world.

• The Amish community should pay higher taxes.

• Amish children should be allowed to choose their religion.

• The Amish should establish their own schools.

What was the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding the Amish parents' rights?

• The parents were fined heavily.

• The parents were required to send their children to private schools.

• The parents were allowed to withdraw their children from school.

• The parents were given a warning.

What was Justice Douglas's concern in his partial dissent?

• The impact on public school funding.

• The financial burden on the Amish community.

• The children's right to be heard in educational matters.

• The state's right to enforce education laws.