Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Tunick, Mark
Abstract
In December of 2005, members of the Harriet Wilkes Honors College voiced objections over the erection of a Finals Tree, a faculty and staff endorsed pine tree that held various snacks for students during finals weeks. In an email, the tree was accidentally called a Christmas tree, which it did resemble. One faculty who objected deemed the tree unconstitutional because he felt the university was endorsing a particular religion and was acting unethically. I examine the history of the Finals tree tradition, evaluate its constitutionality according to Supreme Court precedent, and examine whether its display violates the rights of those opposed to the tree according to democratic theory. I conclude that the erection of the tree is constitutional; however, according to democratic theory, the Honors College acted in an ethical way by creating a compromise that replaced the pine tree with a palm tree, a tree with no religious connotations.
Recommended Citation
LoPiccolo, Alicia, "The case of the finals tree: how constitutional issues can be resolved outside of the courtroom" (2011). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 71.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/71
Extent
51 p.
Identifier
FA00003592
Comments
Includes bibliography.