When the Supreme Court ruled Amish people cannot be forced to send their children to school, it protects the free exercise of religion but opens itself to criticisms regarding establishment. Which option best reflects that conclusion?

• A. Neither establishes religion nor protects its free exercise
• B. Establishes religion without violating the First Amendment
• C. Avoids establishing religion at the risk of impeding its free exercise
• D. Protects the free exercise of religion but opens itself to criticisms regarding establishment

Answer: (D)

This question highlights how a ruling can protect religious freedom while also inviting debate about government endorsement of religion. In the Amish schooling case, the Court said that forcing Amish children to attend public school would burden their religious practices, so it protects the free exercise of religion by allowing an exemption. At the same time, granting that exemption can be seen as the government taking a step that favors or accommodates a religious practice, which critics argue touches on Establishment Clause concerns about government endorsement or preference of religion. So the best takeaway is that the ruling protects the free exercise of religion but opens itself to criticisms regarding establishment.