Prayer in School

General  |  Support  |  Oppose |  Law

General

Religion in the Public Schools - Prayer in Public School
A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about prayer in public school with references to the court cases that established the law.  Also includes sample scenarios.  From the Anti-Defamation League, whose mission is "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all."

ReligiousTolerance.org: Religions and Prayer in U.S. Public Schools, Libraries, etc.
Scroll down to “Topics covered” for an overview of the topic as well as information on the Constitution, landmark court decisions, events in the media, and other matters related to prayer in school. From ReligiousTolerance.org, a multi-faith organization in the U.S. and Canada.

School Prayer
Provides an overview of the topic with references to key court cases through 2002. From the First Amendment Center, an organization that “works to preserve and protect First Amendment freedoms through information and education.”

Support

Arguments for Prayer in School
An article that argues that in banning school prayer, the U.S. Supreme Court has misinterpreted the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, and that allowing students to pray in schools confers many benefits to society.  From AllAboutHistory.org, a collection of people who consider themselves followers of Jesus.

Pro School Prayer Position
Provides 4 brief arguments supporting prayer in school. From the website based on the Emmy award winning film School Prayer: A Community at War funded, in part, by the Corporation for Public broadcasting.

Religious Freedom Amendment
Gives reasons to support a Religious Freedom Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would permit prayer in school. From Americans for Voluntary School Prayer, an organization co-founded by former member of the House of Representatives Bill Dannemyer.

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Oppose

Americans Atheists: School Prayer FAQs
A list of Frequently Asked Questions arguing against school prayer. From the Americans Atheists, an organization that works “for the civil liberties of Atheists, and the total, absolute separation of government and religion.”

Anti School Prayer Position
Provides 4 brief arguments against prayer in school. From the website based on the Emmy award winning film School Prayer: A Community at War funded, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The Case Against School Prayer
An article by Annie Laurie Gaylor providing reasons to oppose school prayer. From the Freedom from Religion Foundation, “an educational group working for the separation of state and church.”

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Law

Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer in Public Elementary & Secondary Schools
Describes and discusses current laws regarding prayer in public schools. Specific examples of how this legislation applies are also provided. From the U.S. Department of Education.

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Last Updated: January 12, 2012