Prayer In Pulbic Schools
Prayer in Public Schools
Freedom of religion was considered the first amendment to the constitution. The Equal
Access Law was passed to protect the freedom of religion in public schools. The phrase "In God
We Trust" is always spoken concerning the religious beliefs of this country, also. Therefore,
Prayer should be allowed in public schools.
The First Amendment to the constitution can be based on expressing religion in public
Schools. The First Amendment (1791) of the United States Constitution states:
congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances (American 10).
President Clinton stated:
Religion is too important in our history and our country heritage for us to keep it out of our schools. This country was founded on religious freedom. That should not change just because of the separation of church and state. This is the division between religion and government. The rights described in the First Amendment of the Constitution are probably the most familiar to us because they are so close to our daily lives. First Amendment rights are basic rights that are essential to a free people. The first right, or freedom, guaranteed in the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion. This freedom guarantees Americans the right to practice any religion, or to practice no religion at all. The First Amendment forbids Congress form establishing an official national religion, or from favoring one religion in any way (Clinton 1).
Public schools need to allow time to have a period of silence where the students can express themselves without the perseverance of their belief. Basically, we should say that students are allowed at least a minute of silence to say a prayer before their classes begin....
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