Anyone knowledgable on separation of church and state?

Question

I go to a publically funded charter high school. There is a principal but also a school board and they make most of the decisions The board is made of about 6 parents. You must be elected to the board. In the 15 year history of the school, no board member has ever been a non christian. most of the school's families are very religious and its virtually impossible to be elected if you dont go to church or are a "different" religion. the board meets at the school during the evening, 2 times a month. Everyone is welcome at these meetings but only the board can vote on school issues (and they usually discuss and vote in private). So my question is...Is it legal for the board to say a prayer aloud at the beginning of the meeting? they say "anyone not comfortable with praying can leave and come back in later" but this doesnt seem like a reasonable option bc everyone will see you leaving and most likely will judge for your religious beliefs (these are not the nicest people) Any thoughts?

I am familiar with the constitution and I am aware separation of chirch and state is not in there I was simply wondering what peoples opinions on this matter was and if they thought my school was ethical

Answer 1

I think it would be illegal under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The school board is a public function. Having a prayer or some other religious observance centers out people who believe differently and it could even prejudice the proceedings against them. A person who leaves the room or just looks indifferent during the prayer might not get a fair hearing.

Answer 2

The question is whether it violates the Constitution and this question is still being debated. The United States Congress starts with a prayer, state legislatures start with prayers, and City Councils start with prayer so it is not shocking that these Board meetings start with prayers. As for separation of Church and State. That phrase has no legal or constitutional standing. The First Amendment makes no mention of such a seperation but clearly states that "Congress shall pass no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." It can be argued that saying such prayers is respecting an establishment of religion but it can also be argued and has been argued that stopping such prayers would be prohibiting the free exercise of religion.

Answer 3

No it doesn't The tax exempt prestige is a authorities waiver which should be petitioned that signifies that each and every employer is in theory taxable, which does no longer deny the existence or operation of the employer in question, ergo the liberty to be sure a company/faith is actual and alive That the authorities makes a tax exemption and contraptions rules, is that is authorities prerogative, which does no longer violate the separation of church and state you are able to not come across this as a discrimination both. evaluate you've 10 ppl that are in debt with you (TAX) and also you position a level through that you'll opt for to pardon the debt (tax exemption) in case you opt for to waiver 8 out of 10, that is your agency, you're not from now on obliged to (i'm no longer going into the actual undeniable actuality that politics can/will impression the alternative in awarding tax exempt prestige, yet that isn't any longer on the middle of the "separation" question) Btw i do not stay in the US, purely an ex regulation student Peace Edit I forgot to teach that "the separation of state & church", is only a theory that may fluctuate very much from state to state or usa to usa do not fool yourselves, both were large enthusiasts in the previous, and both attempt to rule your lives, the church might want to were "formally" banned from workplace, yet remains a needed political party. The evidence is, in all that the Atheists are bitching about right here on YA 24/7,that they'd experience free if all ties were severed Peace

Answer 4

If I were you, I would publicly speak out at one of their meetings and point out that prayer at a school board meeting is completely inappropriate in a public school. It doesn't matter what people think of you, especially people who would judge you based on your beliefs. You could also write a letter or something if you don't want to cause a disturbance, but I would just come out and say it. They have no right to make non-Christians feel uncomfortable, and I know what that feels like, as I am not religious. I doubt that the prayer is actually illegal, but it is offensive and completely out of place, and mature adults should know that.

Answer 5

According to the US Supreme Court it is NOT illegal. Although I think it should be, it isn't because no one is forced to pray. A problem MIGHT arise if they didn't allow a prayer from a different religion to be said, but since that hasn't happened, you really can't do anything.

Answer 6

yes it is legal, there are christian legal groups that fight so people can have that right every day.

Even Congress starts each day with a prayer.

And next you need to study the US constitution better, read it, there is no seperation of church and state, I dare anyone to find one word about it in it.

They can't make a state religion, and they can't pass a law restricting the right to worship. ( that is all they can do)