Title: School Prayer | Religion in Public Schools | ADL
Headings: Prayer in Public Schools
Prayer in Public Schools
SPECIFIC ISSUES & QUESTIONS
May students pray?
Are vocal prayer and Bible reading in the classroom permitted?
Can a school or state require a moment of silence in the classroom?
Can there be prayer before or after athletic events or activities?
Can there be prayer at graduation ceremonies?
Can there be prayer at school assemblies?
May teachers pray in school?
Can school boards say prayers prior to their meetings?
SAMPLE SCENARIOS & SITUATIONS
Football Coach Leads Team in Prayer
Is the team prayer constitutional? Is the coach's solution viable?
Fourth-grader Prayer and Religious Discussion at Recess
Does Mrs. Lewis have a valid claim? How should the school respond?
Teacher Participation at Flag Pole Prayer Event
Was Ms. Lake's Participation in the Student Prayer Event Permissible?
School Policy Permitting Prayer by Student at Graduation
Can the school district substitute a student for a local clergy person?
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Content: However, baccalaureate services, which are distinct and separate from official graduation ceremonies, may constitutionally include prayers and religious sermons. Such events must be privately sponsored and must not be led or sponsored by school personnel. Any school endorsement of such events should be actively discouraged. Can there be prayer at school assemblies? School officials, employees or outsiders must not offer prayers at school assemblies. Even if attendance is voluntary, students may not deliver prayers at school assemblies either. xiii Student-initiated prayer at school assemblies is unconstitutional even if the prayer is non-proselytizing and nonsectarian. xiv
May teachers pray in school? It is unconstitutional for teachers to pray with or in the presence of students in school or in their capacities as teachers or representatives of the school. Indeed, teachers may have their free speech and free exercise rights to speak about religious matters and otherwise say prayers in the presence of students abridged in an effort to ensure that there is no appearance that the school is violating the Establishment Clause.