Should Prayer Be Allowed In Public Schools?

Question

Reason Why or Why Not Please.

Answer 1

I have no problem with students organizing themselves into groups before or after school or individuals praying before class in ways that don't disturb other students, but there certainly should not be state-sponsored, teacher- or administration-led prayer. Once you start that, you give someone else the power to decide what beliefs will be taught to your children.

My only objection to prayer in school is having a specific religion or denomination recognized as THE official one and ALL students forced to acknowledge it as such and worship in the same way. As a Humanist, I firmly believe in freedom of religion. It would not harm me to remain respectfully quiet, meditate, or read while my religious neighbors quietly pray.

I personally like the moment of silence idea. It's inclusive; brief enough to not detract from the primary purpose of school, i.e., getting an education; and acknowledges that faith is an integral part of many people's lives.

Unfortunately, there will always be some selfish teacher or principal who, sooner or later, decides that she has the right--nay, the duty--to lead her students "on the right path" and steps over the line, spoiling it for everybody.

Answer 2

Prayer already is allowed. It is only the actions of the state employees that are regulated.

For example, the following are allowed:
1. A student silently spends a moment in introspective prayer.
2. At an agreed lunch table, a group of students gather of their own will for open Bible study and prayer.
3. A teacher joins the group in #2, but does not lead the prayer or the Bible study, and maintains a respectful dispassion about it to avoid the illusion of leadership.
4. A couple of students, before a class starts, meets in a corner to say a prayer together.

Not allowed would be:
1. A student, in the middle of a class, praying openly and outloud, disrupting class.
2. A group of students meeting before class and their prayer time continuing past the tardy bell, disrupting class.
3. A teacher leading prayer or even presenting the illusion of leading prayer, in the classroom or at lunch or before/after school.

In short, there are plenty of opportunities for prayer in school. Why do you feel it's been removed? If only because you cannot force others to pray to your version of deity, then you're a closed-minded bigot -- others may not believe in your deity and choose to pray another way. If you feel its been removed but now realize that it hasn't and are cool with this, welcome to being open-minded and culturally aware.

Answer 3

Yes, you cannot keep someone from praying. Public prayer in public schools is were the matter gets into a grey area, wherein not everyone will stay peaceful if prayer occurs. Some people are not thick skinned and freedom loving enough to allow other to do as they see fit.

Answer 4

I feel it should be allowed on an individual basis. Noone would be forced to pray if they do not wish to do so. But to take that right away from those who do wish to pray during school hours, is just as unconstitutional as forcing someone to pray who doesn't wish to do so. Prayer in school could be a couple minutes of quiet time before classes started, just as it was when I was in school. That way,noone's rights are violated on either side of the issue. Personally, I see no harm if it is done that way,and I don't see how anyone could object to such a simple compromise to the situation.

Answer 5

So, how many times has THIS question been asked in the last two weeks?

~sigh~

Public schools are actually given a great deal of latitude for free religious expression, including prayer. Whenever this issue comes up I direct people to where they can get the *facts* rather than anyone's opinion:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religi...

(Scroll down to "Applying the Governing Principles in Particular Contexts ")

I"m OK with things the way they are now, so long as they are applied exactly the same for all religious and spiritual practices.

Answer 6

Anyone already can pray in public schools, anytime they want to, as long as they don't disrupt a class -- IN SILENT, to themselves.

Prayer should NEVER be sponsored by, conducted by, led by, or required by school administration. Why? Because that would mean the government (which runs public schools) is endorsing and promoting -- helping to establish -- one particular religion. That's prohibited by the US constitution. I know christians often get all upset by this, but how would they feel if the school was leading Buddhist or Muslim prayers?

Besides, a christian's own bible says when you pray, pray in secret -- not in front of others to make a big show of it like the pharisees do...:)

Answer 7

There's a saying, "As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school."

That said, while I can support a moment of silence in the classroom, all too often teachers decide to try to lead their students in prayer during those "silent" times - which, since the teachers are representing the school in class and the school is a government entity, is unconstitutional.

Answer 8

Yes. I don't believe in god, but if other people want to pray to him I don't have a problem with it and feel like some kind of Commie if I try to stop them. They aren't infringing on my beliefs, just expressing theirs.

I don't think teachers should be allowed to coordinate prayers though, even if it's not forced. Or a teacher making the statement
'I don't want to offend anyone or anything, but let's make a short prayer...' sort of thing, cuz tht singles out the ones who don't want to and is kind of a sick-round the law-way of getting non-religous kids to participate using peer pressure.

Answer 9

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God’s name is prohibited by the state.

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the “unwed daddy,” our Senior King.
It’s “inappropriate” to teach right from wrong,
We’re taught that such “judgments” do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It’s scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school’s a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen

Answer 10

As long as the teachers are giving tests, there will be prayer in public schools.

But as for "organized", daily prayer...no. Perhaps a time of silence for kids to offer up their own prayers....

My answer is "no". If you want to pray in school....go to Our Lady of the Sacred Rosary Academy.

That's what I would do.