3. The Problem Many people honestly believe that prayer is not allowed in public schools. This is wrong. Unfortunately, this mistaken notion sometimes extends to teachers, principals and school boards. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIRVJE_wZ18
4. Students opportunity to pray: “Prayer is allowed and in fact is a protected form of free speech throughout the public school system.” Students may pray silently during a moment of silence “Students can pray in school busses, at the flag-pole, in student religious clubs, in the hallways, cafeteria, etc.”
5. Conflict over school prayer Some believe that to start the school day with a prayer will create an aura of solemnity and order among the students. Others believe that prayer has magical powers. Others feel that if the students are forced to recite a Christian prayer each day, they will come to realize that they live in a Christian country where the government and its institutions support Christianity.
6. Court Rulings, Laws and Events 1948- McCollum vs. Board of Education 1954- Tudor vs. Board of Education 1960 Madalyn Murray O’Hair vs. Baltimore ISD 1962- Engel vs. Vitale 1963 - Abington Township School vs. Schempp; Murray vs. Curlett 2001- Public School rentals
9. …. Benediction and prayers at graduation ceremonies Teaching religion Student religious clubs Moment of silence
10. and… Prayer outside of school building School religious speech Teacher display of religion http://www.examiner.com/news-in-san-diego/judge-allows-teacher-s-classroom-display-involving-religion
11. Research Purpose The goal of this research it to understand what the place of prayer is in public schools.
12. Significant Factors to Consider about School Prayer Prayer is not forbidden in public schools. There is a small minority of parents who follow other than Christian religion and find praying deeply offensive. Praying is a choice, not a requirement.
13. References: Prayer in Schools. Retrieved from http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/prayer-in-school.htm Robinson B.A. (2003). Religion in Public Schools. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm Robinson B.A. (2007). The Federal Equal Access Act. Retrieved from http://www.religioustoleran.org
