The school example is pretty easy- the graduation is a school-sponsored event. If the Valedictorian gives a religious speech, the implication is that the school (a government funded entity) is backing his/her words.
The Pledge ruling may be ridiculous, but it doesn't limit anyone's right to practice religion- you're free to say the pledge of allegiance anywhere except in one, very limited place.
501(c)(3) covers special tax status- churches get special tax status if they follow certain rules, such as no political sermonizing. A pastor is free to spout political sermons, but his church will lose 501(c)(3) tax benefits. Nobody is entitled to 501(c)(3) tax benefits if they're unwilling to meet the requirements.
Baloney - the student is speaking for himself. Graduation is about the students not the freaking school! You can spin it any way you want - this IS A RESTRICTION ON RELIGIOUS SPEECH - a violation of the free exercise clause. Also, where in that clause does it give SCOTUS the authority to make any changes in religious speech. NOWHERE! It says "congress shall make no law..." which means Congress is the ONLY one that can.
The Pledge ruling may be ridiculous, but it doesn't limit anyone's right to practice religion- you're free to say the pledge of allegiance anywhere except in one, very limited place.
If it limits it anywhere then it is limiting someone's right to practice religion. Explain to my why it is that they held church services in the chambers of Congress, the capital rotunda, the Treasury Bldg. and the War Dept. in the 19th century (with Jefferson in attendanced with the Marine Corps Band)? Why weren't these spaces off limits? Clearly, they have REWRITTEN THE CONSTITUTION based upon their OWN secular ideology and not upon ANY precedent whatsoever. Quit spinning the unspinnable and making excuses for BAD law.
501(c)(3) covers special tax status- churches get special tax status if they follow certain rules, such as no political sermonizing. A pastor is free to spout political sermons, but his church will lose 501(c)(3) tax benefits. Nobody is entitled to 501(c)(3) tax benefits if they're unwilling to meet the requirements.
And you think that's okay? Maybe in Beijing! I think you should read some revolutionary war history when pastors used the pulpit to rally people to the cause! You can hold your position but you can't hold it with any historical validity; you can only hold it based upon personal ideology and autocratic decree.