1. B Y : L A U R A G A R Z A
C I 5 8 3
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Prayer in Schools

2. “One nation under God”

3. The Problem
 Many people honestly believe that prayer is
not allowed in public schools. This is wrong.
Unfortunately, this mistaken notion
sometimes extends to teachers, principals
and school boards.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIRVJE
_wZ18

4. Students opportunity to pray:
 “Prayer is allowed and in fact is a protected form
of free speech throughout the public school
system.”
 Students may pray silently during a moment of
silence
 “Students can pray in school busses, at the flag-
pole, in student religious clubs, in the hallways,
cafeteria, etc.”

5. Conflict over school prayer
 Some believe that to start the school day with a
prayer will create an aura of solemnity and order
among the students.
 Others believe that prayer has magical powers.
 Others feel that if the students are forced to recite a
Christian prayer each day, they will come to realize
that they live in a Christian country where the
government and its institutions support Christianity.

6. Court Rulings, Laws and Events
 1948- McCollum vs. Board of Education
 1954- Tudor vs. Board of Education
 1960 Madalyn Murray O’Hair vs. Baltimore ISD
 1962- Engel vs. Vitale
 1963 - Abington Township School vs. Schempp; Murray vs.
Curlett
 2001- Public School rentals

7. Religious Rights
Banning
of
Religious
clothing
and
symbols.
Teachers,
coaches,
ect
leading a
group
prayer.
Advance
nor
inhibit
religion.
Public
prayer at
school
games.
Students
to recite
prayers in
class. The Law
Prohibits

8. The Constitution allows…

9. ….
 Benediction and prayers at graduation ceremonies
 Teaching religion
 Student religious clubs
 Moment of silence

10. and…
 Prayer outside of school building
 School religious speech
 Teacher display of religion
 http://www.examiner.com/news-in-san-
diego/judge-allows-teacher-s-classroom-display-
involving-religion

11. Research Purpose
 The goal of this research it to understand what the
place of prayer is in public schools.

12. Significant Factors to Consider about School Prayer
 Prayer is not forbidden in public schools.
 There is a small minority of parents who follow
other than Christian religion and find praying
deeply offensive.
 Praying is a choice, not a requirement.

13. References:
 Prayer in Schools. Retrieved from
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/prayer-in-
school.htm
 Robinson B.A. (2003). Religion in Public Schools.
Retrieved from
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm
 Robinson B.A. (2007). The Federal Equal Access Act.
Retrieved from http://www.religioustoleran.org