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Prayer In The Public School System

Prayer In The Public School System Over the past thirty years or so the issue of prayer or “religious expression” in the public school system has brought on heated controversy, but the question is still open for debate---Should students be allowed to have prayer or to express their religious ideals openly in the public schools across America? Many people have attempted to come up with an answer to that question, but, so far no compromise has been agreed upon. This is due to the fact that many people hold strong opinions when it comes to religion and education. As with any argument or debate there are basically two sides, but this conflict has three sides: those people who think that are “pro-prayer” and believe that there shouldn’t be a problem with prayer in the school system; those who are against religion and education being mixed and are strong supporters of keeping the church and the education system completely separated; and those who are somewhat unconcerned or in the dark about where the issue stands Many of those people who seemed to be unconcerned about this matter have probably chosen to remain silent due to confusion. One very common misconception is that any type of religious expression, such as prayer, is to be kept completely out of the public schools (Buschman 1). In fact, more than half of the “confused” or “unconcerned” persons out there do not have a good understanding of what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to religion in school. So, just how much religion is allowed in our school systems today? A constitutional aspect must be taken to answer this question. The First Amendment clearly and plainly states that all Americans are guaranteed five freedoms or liberties: freedom of speech, freedom to petition the government, freedom of the press, freedom to assembly, and freedom of religion. The applicable part of that amendment (freedom of religion) has been broken down into two major clauses which are the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause has been translated as to say the Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion (Concerned Women for America 1). The second clause deals with exactly what the title implies---the free exercise of religion. It basically states that Congress can make no law prohibiting anyone’s right to freely exercise their religious beliefs (CWA 1). Therefore, students have the same right to engage in individual or group prayer and religious discussion during the school day as they do to engage in other comparable activities (U.S. Dept. Of Education 1). Individual students are free to pray, express, religious viewpoints, read the Bible, and carry on any other form of religious expression as long as they are not being disruptive or disrespectful to the rights of other students. Students are also allowed to participate in religious clubs or groups at school. According the Equal Access Act, if a secondary school permits other extracurricular activities time to meet during non-instructional periods, then religiously affiliated groups must be given equal treatment (American Bar Association 1). Such meetings are protected by the Equal Access Act and may include a prayer service, Bible reading, or other worship exercises (U.S. Dept. of Education 4). However, all meetings, clubs, and other activities that are connected in any way to the church or any other religious topic absolutely must not discriminate against any one religion or be a requirement for students to take part (Robinson, “Religion in U.S. Public Schools” 2-3). Also, all functions must be student led (ABA 1). Teachers and school administrators, when acting in such capacities, are representatives of the state and are prohibited from soliciting, encouraging, or participating in any of these activities (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). At the same time that school officials are banned from encouraging such activities, they are also prohibited to discourage them in any way (U.S. Dept. of It is believed by the United States Department of Education that all teachers in the public school systems across America are to remain completely neutral (3). School administrators and officials are not to provide any sort of religious instruction unless it falls under one or more of the following categories: the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible-as-literature, and the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). These are permissible grounds for the inclusion of religious discussions. Similarly, it is allowed for teachers to consider religious influences on other areas such as music, art, literature, and social studies (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). With this in mind, it has also been said by the U.S. Department of Education that “students may express their beliefs about religion in the form or homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free of discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions (2). Students who wish to be openly expressive about their religion or faith will not be Therefore, it is fair and safe to conclude that students are “allowed” to express themselves religiously, whether the setting be a school building or a church building. That brings us back to the question at hand---Should such open expressions or behaviors of a religious nature be allowed? To come to a educated opinion the two remaining sides of the argument must be equally The first side is the side of those Americans who are have found no problem with prayer being included in the public school system. Such supporters view that starting off the day with a prayer or other related activities would not harm society in any way (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). Some see religion as being a part of the school day that would serve as a way for students to clear their minds of impure thoughts and to focus on the tasks that lie ahead of them (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). It would allow students to be more “purposeful” in their work and to think more deeply (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). Many of the “pro-prayer” crowd say that prayer in school would not only help to make the transition into learning for some students, but it would also help for others to find resolution in matters of personal conflicts (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). Those with this view feel that there would be no problem with a morning prayer or a moment of silence before the beginning of classes each day. However, some “moment of silence” have been violently struck down by the court system on claims that they are used to promote prayer (ABA 1). On the other hand, a “neutral” moment of silence that does not prayer or any other religious activity has been upheld even though many students have been known to use this time as a time for a silent prayer or religious meditation (ABA 1). Many consider the uprising of crime and the depression of values in society a direct result of the dismissal of prayer and religion in America’s public school systems; however, no one believes that this is the one sole cause (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). It is also the common consensus of the “pro-prayer” crowd that schools are where children are supposed to be exposed to diversity of both the racial and ethnic nature. Doesn’t prayer and religious expression fall right into that area somewhere? Most who identify themselves as being “pro-prayer” feel as if religion in the schools would fall into the same category For many people in America their religious affiliation is a big part of whom they really are or of their individuality (Buschman 3). Therefore, by allowing children to be open to religion at school, it helps them to gain some understanding of other people and well as a better understanding of themselves Another argument in favor of school prayer and religious expression is that some children may never be exposed to any type of religion outside of school. Some view that organized school prayer and other religion-affiliated activities could possibly give those children the morals that their parents might leave out or not teach them at all (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). It is thought by one source that school prayer could help to cut down on the number of gang crimes and/or the number of babies born to teenager mothers outside the bounds of wedlock (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). Prayer promotes positive behavior in children that is said to be “absolutely vital to maintain moral health in our society Several supporters of the issue argue that along with values that are the backbone of our society, prayer would also give students something to think about (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). Many of these people believe that if prayer flows into the souls of today’s children and teenagers that it may cause them to become better human beings in the long run (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). Now comes the opposition to the “pro-prayer” arguments. This second argument is held by those that feel as if religious expression should not exist in the school system for several reasons. One reason that these people use to support their side of the argument is the belief that the issue in itself causes conflicts (Buschman 3). Many people feel that any type of prayer in the school system will lead to many problems (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). This country is mostly of the Christian faith, therefore the opposition fears that any prayer would reflect or promote Christian values (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). It is believed that if this were the case then students of other religions would feel uncomfortable praying or might feel left out of such religious activities due to their differentiating beliefs (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). Some say that if such feelings did take place then prayer would be “divisive” and would be discrimination against any or all religious minority groups (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). Those in opposition also view that since education is mandatory, public schools cannot impose one religion’s prayers or beliefs over that of another (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). To do so would be a certain violation of the rights of those students who did not belong to or believe in the dominating religion. According to many who are opposed, the only way to make people of differing religions comfortable with the idea of school prayer and religious expression would be to make prayers cross-cultural, but any “watered-down” prayer, as these have been called, would only cause more controversy. It would result in the deeply religious persons finding it meaningless, and it would be an infringement on students who follow no religion (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” There are more people opposed to prayer in schools than just the obvious. Even highly religious Christians are strongly opposed to religion being connected in any way to the everyday school routines of children. They say that the Bible specifically warns against public prayers, such as school prayer (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). It is found in The New Testament that Jesus, in fact, did give somewhat of a “warning” against public prayer. “When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners...When you pray, go into a room and close the door. Pray to your Father in private...(Matthew 6:5-6)” Some have translated this passage as to implying two clear things: Jesus condemns prayer in situations where other people are present (as in schools); and prayers are to be an intensely personal event between a person and their God (Robinson, “The Bible and Public Prayer” 1). Another example from the Holy Bible that adds further evidence to the ideal that public prayer wasn’t completed supported can be found also in the book of Matthew. Chapter 14, verse 23 reads as follows: “Then he [Jesus] went up on a mountain where he could be alone There are many references that can be found in The Word that could be used as opposition to school prayer. Further examples can be found in the books of Mark, Luke, and John (Robinson, “The Bible and Public Prayer” 2). It would appear that Jesus somewhat condemned public prayer and many feel that this is reason enough for all Christians who follow the teachings of the Bible to join the opposition to the ideals of prayer in the public school systems (Robinson, “The This is where I find some discrepancies. Being a religious person, I attempt to follow the teachings of the Bible to the best of my ability and I am a firm believer that what is written is the truth. However, I feel as if those who are arguing that the Bible condemns public prayer should read into further detail. It may be that such public displays are condemned, but doesn’t that contradict with one of the major teachings of the Bible? I have been taught that if a person really is a firm believer in the teachings of Christ, then they shouldn’t hide it. This, just as the public prayer issue, is supported by various Scripture. One “You [Christians] are like the light for the whole world...and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).” So, wouldn’t prohibiting students from having prayer in school or doing away with open religious expressions by students go against the teachings of the Bible just the same as the oppositions plea? If the Christian students of today’s school system are not allowed to express their religious beliefs at school, then it is like someone is trying to put out their light. Those who have based their view against religion in the school system on only a few Scriptures need to read into further detail and possibly should find other grounds for their argument. In conclusion, I want to stress that there are no legal grounds for denying any student in America the right to openly express their religion while at school. Hopefully, a peaceful compromise on this issue can be reached in the near future; however, such solutions are never that simple when the education system of America is involved. So, for now, the issue of whether youth in America’s youth should be allowed or denied the right to openly express their religious beliefs at school continues to fuel a very fiery debate, but, in my mind, it will always be a matter of personal choice. American Bar Association Division of Media Relations and Public Affairs (ABA). “Facts About Children and the Law--Question 7: Are students allowed to *http://www.abanet.org/media/factbooks/ch7.html* (3 October 1999.) Buschman, Brian. “Religious Expression:Why It Should Be Allowed In The Public *http://www.wam.umd.edu/~brianb/ENG101/* (3 October 1999.) Concerned Women for America (CWA). “School Prayer and Religious Liberty: A Constitutional Perspective.” 7 August 1997. *http://www.cwfa.org/library/freedom/1997-08-07_pp_prayer.shtml* (4 Kramer, Clay. “Free Prayer.” 18 April 1997. *http://www.ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~ckramer/research1.html* (4 October Kramer, Clay. “I Want My Freedom!.” 18 April 1997. *http://www.ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~ckramer/research2.html* (4 October Robinson, B.A. “Religion in the U.S. Public Schools.” 18 August 1999. *http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pray.html* (3 October 1999.) Robinson, B.A. “The Bible and Public Prayer.” 11 May 1999. *http://www.religioustolerance.org/prayer.html* (3 October 1999.) The Promise Bible for Students. Ed. Ron Luce. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., “U.S. Dept. of Education Statement on Religious Freedom.” 12 July 1995. *http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/1995/dec95/stateme.html* (4 Bibliography: Prayer In The Public School System Over the past thirty years or so the issue of prayer or “religious expression” in the public school system has brought on heated controversy, but the question is still open for debate---Should students be allowed to have prayer or to express their religious ideals openly in the public schools across America? Many people have attempted to come up with an answer to that question, but, so far no compromise has been agreed upon. This is due to the fact that many people hold strong opinions when it comes to religion and education. As with any argument or debate there are basically two sides, but this conflict has three sides: those people who think that are “pro-prayer” and believe that there shouldn’t be a problem with prayer in the school system; those who are against religion and education being mixed and are strong supporters of keeping the church and the education system completely separated; and those who are somewhat unconcerned or in the dark about where the issue stands today. Many of those people who seemed to be unconcerned about this matter have probably chosen to remain silent due to confusion. One very common misconception is that any type of religious expression, such as prayer, is to be kept completely out of the public schools (Buschman 1). In fact, more than half of the “confused” or “unconcerned” persons out there do not have a good understanding of what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to religion in school. So, just how much religion is allowed in our school systems today? A constitutional aspect must be taken to answer this question. The First Amendment clearly and plainly states that all Americans are guaranteed five freedoms or liberties: freedom of speech, freedom to petition the government, freedom of the press, freedom to assembly, and freedom of religion. The applicable part of that amendment (freedom of religion) has been broken down into two major clauses which are the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause has been translated as to say the Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion (Concerned Women for America 1). The second clause deals with exactly what the title implies---the free exercise of religion. It basically states that Congress can make no law prohibiting anyone’s right to freely exercise their religious beliefs (CWA 1). Therefore, students have the same right to engage in individual or group prayer and religious discussion during the school day as they do to engage in other comparable activities (U.S. Dept. Of Education 1). Individual students are free to pray, express, religious viewpoints, read the Bible, and carry on any other form of religious expression as long as they are not being disruptive or disrespectful to the rights of other students. Students are also allowed to participate in religious clubs or groups at school. According the Equal Access Act, if a secondary school permits other extracurricular activities time to meet during non-instructional periods, then religiously affiliated groups must be given equal treatment (American Bar Association 1). Such meetings are protected by the Equal Access Act and may include a prayer service, Bible reading, or other worship exercises (U.S. Dept. of Education 4). However, all meetings, clubs, and other activities that are connected in any way to the church or any other religious topic absolutely must not discriminate against any one religion or be a requirement for students to take part (Robinson, “Religion in U.S. Public Schools” 2-3). Also, all functions must be student led (ABA 1). Teachers and school administrators, when acting in such capacities, are representatives of the state and are prohibited from soliciting, encouraging, or participating in any of these activities (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). At the same time that school officials are banned from encouraging such activities, they are also prohibited to discourage them in any way (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). It is believed by the United States Department of Education that all teachers in the public school systems across America are to remain completely neutral (3). School administrators and officials are not to provide any sort of religious instruction unless it falls under one or more of the following categories: the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible-as-literature, and the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). These are permissible grounds for the inclusion of religious discussions. Similarly, it is allowed for teachers to consider religious influences on other areas such as music, art, literature, and social studies (U.S. Dept. of Education 2). With this in mind, it has also been said by the U.S. Department of Education that “students may express their beliefs about religion in the form or homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free of discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions (2). Students who wish to be openly expressive about their religion or faith will not be penalized for doing so. Therefore, it is fair and safe to conclude that students are “allowed” to express themselves religiously, whether the setting be a school building or a church building. That brings us back to the question at hand---Should such open expressions or behaviors of a religious nature be allowed? To come to a educated opinion the two remaining sides of the argument must be equally weighed out. The first side is the side of those Americans who are have found no problem with prayer being included in the public school system. Such supporters view that starting off the day with a prayer or other related activities would not harm society in any way (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). Some see religion as being a part of the school day that would serve as a way for students to clear their minds of impure thoughts and to focus on the tasks that lie ahead of them (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). It would allow students to be more “purposeful” in their work and to think more deeply (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). Many of the “pro-prayer” crowd say that prayer in school would not only help to make the transition into learning for some students, but it would also help for others to find resolution in matters of personal conflicts (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 1). Those with this view feel that there would be no problem with a morning prayer or a moment of silence before the beginning of classes each day. However, some “moment of silence” have been violently struck down by the court system on claims that they are used to promote prayer (ABA 1). On the other hand, a “neutral” moment of silence that does not prayer or any other religious activity has been upheld even though many students have been known to use this time as a time for a silent prayer or religious meditation (ABA 1). Many consider the uprising of crime and the depression of values in society a direct result of the dismissal of prayer and religion in America’s public school systems; however, no one believes that this is the one sole cause (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). It is also the common consensus of the “pro-prayer” crowd that schools are where children are supposed to be exposed to diversity of both the racial and ethnic nature. Doesn’t prayer and religious expression fall right into that area somewhere? Most who identify themselves as being “pro-prayer” feel as if religion in the schools would fall into the same category (Buschman 3). For many people in America their religious affiliation is a big part of whom they really are or of their individuality (Buschman 3). Therefore, by allowing children to be open to religion at school, it helps them to gain some understanding of other people and well as a better understanding of themselves (Buschman 3). Another argument in favor of school prayer and religious expression is that some children may never be exposed to any type of religion outside of school. Some view that organized school prayer and other religion-affiliated activities could possibly give those children the morals that their parents might leave out or not teach them at all (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). It is thought by one source that school prayer could help to cut down on the number of gang crimes and/or the number of babies born to teenager mothers outside the bounds of wedlock (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). Prayer promotes positive behavior in children that is said to be “absolutely vital to maintain moral health in our society (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2).” Several supporters of the issue argue that along with values that are the backbone of our society, prayer would also give students something to think about (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). Many of these people believe that if prayer flows into the souls of today’s children and teenagers that it may cause them to become better human beings in the long run (Kramer, “Free Prayer” 2). Now comes the opposition to the “pro-prayer” arguments. This second argument is held by those that feel as if religious expression should not exist in the school system for several reasons. One reason that these people use to support their side of the argument is the belief that the issue in itself causes conflicts (Buschman 3). Many people feel that any type of prayer in the school system will lead to many problems (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). This country is mostly of the Christian faith, therefore the opposition fears that any prayer would reflect or promote Christian values (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). It is believed that if this were the case then students of other religions would feel uncomfortable praying or might feel left out of such religious activities due to their differentiating beliefs (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). Some say that if such feelings did take place then prayer would be “divisive” and would be discrimination against any or all religious minority groups (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). Those in opposition also view that since education is mandatory, public schools cannot impose one religion’s prayers or beliefs over that of another (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). To do so would be a certain violation of the rights of those students who did not belong to or believe in the dominating religion. According to many who are opposed, the only way to make people of differing religions comfortable with the idea of school prayer and religious expression would be to make prayers cross-cultural, but any “watered-down” prayer, as these have been called, would only cause more controversy. It would result in the deeply religious persons finding it meaningless, and it would be an infringement on students who follow no religion (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). There are more people opposed to prayer in schools than just the obvious. Even highly religious Christians are strongly opposed to religion being connected in any way to the everyday school routines of children. They say that the Bible specifically warns against public prayers, such as school prayer (Kramer, “I Want My Freedom” 1). It is found in The New Testament that Jesus, in fact, did give somewhat of a “warning” against public prayer. “When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners...When you pray, go into a room and close the door. Pray to your Father in private...(Matthew 6:5-6)” Some have translated this passage as to implying two clear things: Jesus condemns prayer in situations where other people are present (as in schools); and prayers are to be an intensely personal event between a person and their God (Robinson, “The Bible and Public Prayer” 1). Another example from the Holy Bible that adds further evidence to the ideal that public prayer wasn’t completed supported can be found also in the book of Matthew. Chapter 14, verse 23 reads as follows: “Then he [Jesus] went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray.” There are many references that can be found in The Word that could be used as opposition to school prayer. Further examples can be found in the books of Mark, Luke, and John (Robinson, “The Bible and Public Prayer” 2). It would appear that Jesus somewhat condemned public prayer and many feel that this is reason enough for all Christians who follow the teachings of the Bible to join the opposition to the ideals of prayer in the public school systems (Robinson, “The Bible and Public Prayer” 2). This is where I find some discrepancies. Being a religious person, I attempt to follow the teachings of the Bible to the best of my ability and I am a firm believer that what is written is the truth. However, I feel as if those who are arguing that the Bible condemns public prayer should read into further detail. It may be that such public displays are condemned, but doesn’t that contradict with one of the major teachings of the Bible? I have been taught that if a person really is a firm believer in the teachings of Christ, then they shouldn’t hide it. This, just as the public prayer issue, is supported by various Scripture. One example says: “You [Christians] are like the light for the whole world...and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).” So, wouldn’t prohibiting students from having prayer in school or doing away with open religious expressions by students go against the teachings of the Bible just the same as the oppositions plea? If the Christian students of today’s school system are not allowed to express their religious beliefs at school, then it is like someone is trying to put out their light. Those who have based their view against religion in the school system on only a few Scriptures need to read into further detail and possibly should find other grounds for their argument. In conclusion, I want to stress that there are no legal grounds for denying any student in America the right to openly express their religion while at school. Hopefully, a peaceful compromise on this issue can be reached in the near future; however, such solutions are never that simple when the education system of America is involved. So, for now, the issue of whether youth in America’s youth should be allowed or denied the right to openly express their religious beliefs at school continues to fuel a very fiery debate, but, in my mind, it will always be a matter of personal choice. Works Cited American Bar Association Division of Media Relations and Public Affairs (ABA). “Facts About Children and the Law--Question 7: Are students allowed to pray at a public school?” (3 October 1999.) Buschman, Brian. “Religious Expression:Why It Should Be Allowed In The Public Schools.” 10 December1995. (3 October 1999.) Concerned Women for America (CWA). “School Prayer and Religious Liberty: A Constitutional Perspective.” 7 August 1997. (4 October 1999.) Kramer, Clay. “Free Prayer.” 18 April 1997. (4 October 1999.) Kramer, Clay. “I Want My Freedom!.” 18 April 1997. (4 October 1999.) Robinson, B.A. “Religion in the U.S. Public Schools.” 18 August 1999. (3 October 1999.) Robinson, B.A. “The Bible and Public Prayer.” 11 May 1999. (3 October 1999.) The Promise Bible for Students. Ed. Ron Luce. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997. “U.S. Dept. of Education Statement on Religious Freedom.” 12 July 1995. (4 October 1999.)

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