Prayer in Public Schools
There are three points to remember when considering this question; schools are public institutions whose purpose is academic education, America is a very diverse nation and all religions in America are given an opportunity to practice freely without interference in accordance with the Constitution.
Public schools in America provide a basic need, to educate our citizens. It is true that the Supreme Court rulings have not infringed on those wishing to say, quietly, their own prayer during the course of the day; for example at the lunch meal. Some groups still advocate for voluntary group prayer, but would this still be voluntary if one feels the social pressure to participate?
If we allow prayer in schools, which religions’ prayers do we choose? If we include all religious prayers equally how do we manage time constraints and should we insist on proper certification for our teachers on all religions? As someone who comes from a family of blended beliefs, it is possible to teach children to be moral citizens without infringing on anyone’s spirituality.
It is true that in America God is a part of many of our institutions and traditions, but it is also true that compromising the total separation of Church and State would affect the very institutions that seek the freedom to practice in America. These are the institutions that one can go to pray and be surrounded by others who choose the same belief and find spiritual comfort there. Let's leave prayer out of the schools.
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