Is it legal for the principal of a public school...?

Question

..To have the school's band and band's parents say grace before eating some lunch thing after a concert. (( Actual question ))

It was... sort of a "Do it, I'm staring at you" thing. It actually happened today.

How was this a stuck up question? I'm completely curious.

Hello, stupid people sending me answers telling me why you think god should be in schools. THAT ISN'T WHAT I'M F*CKING ASKING. I'm ASKING if this ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ IS "LEGAL". Please, try and keep up.

This was full on "Heavenly father CHRIST bless this food.. yadda yadda.."

I would send a letter to my newspaper... if I thought the newspaper would do anything. I believe I may be the only atheist in this town.

Answer 1

If it's not on school property, there could be a loophole. But, morally it's never appropriate.

Answer 2

As a teacher, I'm distressed to hear that the principal seems to be acting in violation of his role as a state employee. I don't know the full story, but based on what you've stated, your principal was not allowed to do that.

When acting in their official capacities as representatives of the state, public school officials and educators must maintain neutrality on the issue of school prayer, which means they can neither promote it nor discourage individual students who volunteer to do so. The First Amendment prohibits government from establishing religion and also from interfering with PRIVATELY initiated religious activities and expression.

Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Education that upholds this standing. In particular, you should check out the paragraph sections entitled "Overview of Governing Constitutional Principles" and "Applying the Governing Principles in Particular Contexts."

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html

Answer 3

It is legal but if enough people complain then he should not pray. Don't forget the second part of the ammendment which states that the state shall not prohibit free speach or the exercise of religion. By the way, this only refers to the Federal government so technically states can establish religions. Not that any of this matters really. Go ahead and take God out of school and continue to perpetuate the degradation of morals and values. This is exactly why we have to have armned guards and police officers at every public school. No God, no moral absolutes.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Answer 4

It could make a lovely court case...
Really.

Did they mention any specific 'deity' by name?
And was it forced?

I know I've kept my daughter out of events that were 'jesuscentric' in secular life (IE; mixed-faith thanksgiving program where a reform synagogue had church choirs as well for a community event- which is fine, but they shouldn't have been on the bima singing about their foreign 'god' and I don't think they'd want it in their churches in front of their crosses.)

It's also why I choose private schools :-).

They say public schools are secular, but the calendar sure goes by xtian holidays even though they take my taxes, doesn't it?

Answer 5

Well it can be if he made you or the parents feel like they had to do it.
I think it is great that he did do that but he can not push his beliefs on others while in a leaders position.
He should have invited everyone who wanted to say grace to say grace with him. An invitation not a demand.
The Israelites pushed their beliefs on people who lived in fear while Jesus was just himself, patience, loving and full of light and people flocked to him. Maybe your Principle could learn a bit more on that subject.

Answer 6

It all depends, Here in the USA we have what is known as Christian schools run by some church, & Yes they can ask people to pray before eating, Usually in Public schools NOW it is prohibited, But friend when I was in school & I mean public schools back in the 1950's & 1960's We were allowed to pray, In fact we were told every morning to stand & give our Pledge to the flag of the United States, & also pray the Lord's prayer, No, No one was forced to pray, but you had better give your pledge to the Flag of the USA, but now our government is so corrupt, They now even put the Mexican flag on the flag pole with the USA flag upside down, that to me is sickly, If anyone wants the benefits of the freedom we have, should legally become a USA citizen, To me all these illegals we now have, we should round them up & put a USA military uniform on them & send them with our regular military to Iraq to fight, Hey they want our freedom, Then they need to fight for it as any True American has.

Answer 7

If I wanted to say Grace I would but NOBODY at the school would ever tell me or my child when & if to say it. I'd dare them to try

Answer 8

No. That is completely inappropriate. A formal complaint should be lodged with the superintendent's office. A moment of silence...perhaps, although that would annoy me too. Why can't people just leave their religion at home? The seperation of church and state is what our country was based on, there should be no picking and choosing as to when you can apply that and not.

Answer 9

Depends entirely on which country (and which part of which country) you're talking about.

I'd imagine it isn't a criminal offense, if that is what you're meaning..... but I'm sure if someone complained about it then it would be changed without much fuss.... as religious descrimination is one of those big taboos these days.

Answer 10

I don't think its illegal. People can say grace if they want. OTH, they can't force others to do so and shouldn't try to either.
Prismcat38 - you are full of venom. Why must I sit and wait to eat so that you can thank your imaginary friend? You can do that anyway, without inconveniencing others.

Answer 11

If it's a school-sponsored activity, a public school official cannot lead a prayer, I think.