Updated

The debate over what role religious -- and especially Christian -- symbols play in public life extends beyond what gets placed on government property to the nation's public schools.

A New York City school allowed a Hanukkah (search ) menorah and the star and crescent of Islam to be displayed on school property as historic symbols, but banned a nativity scene because it was deemed religious.

Elsewhere, prayers have been stopped at school football games and one Seattle high school student had his state-sponsored college scholarship stripped when officials discovered he'd be majoring in theology.

Critics say kids shouldn't be silenced when they try to express their Christian faith or pursue an interest in religion. But proponents of such measures argue they're important for ensuring the classroom doesn't become the church pulpit.

Click here to watch a fair and balanced report by Fox News' Mike Tobin.