This project is based on a recording of a live debate between two legal experts, Jeremy Gunn and Seamus Hasson, on the First Amendment in the public schools. The debate is about some of the key issues and cases in this area of law. Like other formal debates and like courtroom practice, this debate is characterized by courteous and respectful argumentation that is based on a deep knowledge of law and fact.

Our debaters are real people, not actors. Their debate has not been scripted. All of their taped statements are a part of their actual conversations. This is a documentary presentation of their debate and the remarks that precede and follow it. Only a scripted narrator and captions have been added to the DVD in order to make this discussion more accessible to a high-school audience.

We realize that teachers, students and parents have many questions about religious freedom, so when we announced our 2006/2007 student essay competition, we solicited these questions on our website. The debate and your questions were our starting place and guide for the DVD and teacher's manual.

To the end of fulfilling the Council for America's First Freedom's mission to promote understanding about and respect for religious freedom, we will explain:

• The meanings of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment
• Some of the principles that the courts have applied
• How you can apply your understanding to real-life situations

We hope you will find this material useful, as you explore the special responsibilities that teachers and school representatives have for protecting religious freedom. You will be able to analyze religious freedom scenarios in class as the Supreme Court might, when you engage in stimulating and intriguing discussion of real-life situations.

This manual is not intended, however, to provide legal advice or to serve as a substitute for actual legal counsel about specific situations. When issues arise, we urge you to consult the appropriate school administrator or licensed attorney in your area. Please remember also that the law is changing, and that you may consult our website for updates on these changes.

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