Prayer In School

MARQUISE CAMP
EDU 210
 CAN STUDENTS PRAY IN SCHOOL
STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN VOLUNTARY INDIVIDUAL
PRAYER THAT DOES NOT DISRUPT THE SCHOOL'S EDUCATIONAL
MISSION AND ACTIVITIES.
ALL STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY A BLESSING BEFORE EATING A
MEAL, OR BEFORE TAKING A TEST.
STUDENTS MAY ENGAGE WITH OTHER STUDENTS IN RELIGIOUS
ACTIVITY DURING NON-CURRICULAR PERIODS AS LONG AS THE
ACTIVITY IS NOT DISRUPTIVE OR COERCIVE.
PERSONAL RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY MAY NOT INTERFERE WITH THE
RIGHTS OR WELL-BEING OF OTHER STUDENTS.
 The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech . . . .
U.S. Const., Amend. I. The First Amendment applies to school
districts as political subdivisions of the state through the
Fourteenth Amendment. Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962).
The Establishment Clause prohibits schools from advancing,
coercing, or endorsing a particular religion or religion over
non-religion.
 School District of Abington Township,
Pennsylvania v. Schempp 1963
At the beginning of the school day, students who attended
public schools in the state of Pennsylvania were required to
read at least ten verses from the Bible, and listen to the lords
prayer.
Students could be excluded from these exercises by a written
note from their parents to the school.
No school will make students recite the lords prayer, and read
bible passages in school, even if individuals may be excused
from the activity.