ay (U.S. Dept. ofEducation 2). It is believed by the United States Department of Education that allteachers in the public school systems across America are to remain completelyneutral (3). School administrators and officials are not to provide any sort ofreligious instruction unless it falls under one or more of the following categories:the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible-as-literature, and the roleof religion in the history of the United States and other countries (U.S. Dept. ofEducation 2). These are permissible grounds for the inclusion of religiousdiscussions. Similarly, it is allowed for teachers to consider religious influences onother areas such as music, art, literature, and social studies (U.S. Dept. ofEducation 2). With this in mind, it has also been said by the U.S. Department ofEducation that students may express their beliefs about religion in the form orhomework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free ofdiscrimination based on the religious content of their submissions (2). Studentswho wish to be openly expressive about their religion or faith will not bepenalized for doing so. Therefore, it is fair and safe to conclude that students are allowedto express themselves religiously, whether the setting be a school building or achurch building. That brings us back to the question at hand---Should such openexpressions or behaviors of a religious nature be allowed? To come to aeducated opinion the two remaining sides of the argument must be equallyweighed out.The first side is the side of those Americans who are have found noproblem with prayer being included in the public school system. Such supportersview that starting off the day with a prayer or other related activities would notharm society in any way (Kramer, Free Prayer 1). Some see religion as being apart of the school day that would serve as a way for students to clear theirminds of impure thoughts and to focus on the tasks that lie ahe...
