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: School Prayer | Religion in Public Schools | ADL
Free Speech
Religious Freedom
Prayer in Public Schools
For Educators
Organized prayer in the public school setting, whether in the classroom or at a school-sponsored event, is unconstitutional. The only type of prayer that is constitutionally permissible is private, voluntary student prayer that does not interfere with the school's educational mission. SPECIFIC ISSUES & QUESTIONS
May students pray? Students have the right to engage in voluntary individual prayer that is not coercive and does not substantially disrupt the school's educational mission and activities. 1 For example, all students have the right to say a blessing before eating a meal. However, school officials must not promote or encourage a student's personal prayer. Students may engage with other students in religious activity during non-curricular periods as long as the activity is not coercive or disruptive. In addition, while students may speak about religious topics with their peers, school officials should intercede if such discussions become religious harassment. It is essential that private religious activity not materially disrupt the school's educational mission and activities. 2 Personal religious activity may not interfere with the rights or well-being of other students, and the threat of student harassment and pressure must be carefully monitored.