Skip to Main Content

Educator Hub
Explore our wide range of educator resources
Resource Types
High School US History Resources
High School Government Resources
Middle School Resources
Elementary Resources - BRI Jr
Debate Resources
Categories
We Teach History & Civics
Each of our resources is free, scholar reviewed, and easy to implement. Browse our full collection by subject, grade-level, era, or term.
Explore All of Our Resources
Student Hub
Learn and grow with the Bill of Rights Institute
Video Resources
Homework Help Videos
Supreme Court Case Overview Videos
AP Gov Required Cases Videos
Resource Types
MyImpact Challenge
Showcase your service project for a chance to win $10,000! MyImpact Challenge accepts projects that are charitable, government intiatives, or entrepreneurial in nature. Open to students aged 13-19.
Find out More
Invest In Our Future
Learn how to become a corporate partner with BRI
Partner with Us
Power of the Printed Word
Civics for Everyone
Contact Us
Help give students the civic education they deserve
Make the most immediate impact through a gift to BRI today to promote freedom and opportunity for students and teachers across America.
Learn how you can support our work
About BRI
The Bill of Rights Institute teaches civics. We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society.
Board and Staff
BRI Blog
FAQs
Statement of Academic Integrity
Join Our Team
Request Professional Development
Financial and Transparency
Press Information
Contact Us
Data Compliance
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
About Us
We seek an America where we more perfectly realize the promise of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This calls for civic education that helps students examine the story of our country and exercise the skills of citizenship.
Learn More

Reading West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette Supreme Court Case Excerpts

Description

Can the government require students to say the Pledge of Allegiance? In the midst of World War II, the Supreme Court heard a landmark case involving a question of how freedom of speech and religion should be balanced with the government’s role of promoting patriotism. Join BRI’s Joshua Schmid and constitutional expert Dr. Josh Dunn as they discuss the case of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette.

Related Resources

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette | BRI’s Homework Help Series

Should students be required to salute the flag? In 1943, the Supreme Court heard a case after Jehovah's Witnesses in West Virginia refused to comply with a school board policy requiring they salute the U.S. flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. How did the Court rule? Find out with our latest Homework Help video!

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette Viewing Guide

Viewing guide for the West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette Homework Help video.

Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940)

Billy Gobitis, a ten-year-old Pennsylvania public school student, refused to salute the American flag because doing so would have gone against his religious beliefs. Billy argued that his First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise meant the government could not force him to participate in the daily ceremony.