What must moral instruction in public schools be to comply with the Establishment Clause?

To comply with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, moral instruction in public schools must be secular in nature. This means that any moral teachings should not endorse or promote any specific religious beliefs or practices. The Establishment Clause serves to ensure a separation of church and state, preventing public institutions, like schools, from favoring one religion over another or religion over non-religion.

Secular moral instruction is permissible as it allows educators to teach values like honesty, respect, and responsibility without invoking religious teachings or doctrines. By framing moral education in a secular context, public schools can foster ethical development among students while respecting the diverse beliefs of all students and their families.

In contrast, moral instruction that is religious, inspirational, or evaluative could cross the line into religious endorsement or promote specific beliefs, which would be contrary to the constitutional protections against government establishment of religion. This distinction is crucial in maintaining neutrality and inclusivity in public education.