Prayer in Public School

Spectrum of Opinions: Prayer in Public School There are many different philosophies regarding prayer in public school. It seems to be a difficult issue to decide. The opinions are wide-ranging and convoluted. I am going to highlight the many ideas and opinions as to whether prayers in public school should be allowed and to what extent. The first opinion I am going to look at is that there should be absolutely no prayer of any kind in public schools. Bob Croddy has been teaching for almost 30 years and he wrote an article for the NEA Today opposing any type of prayer in school, including a moment of silence (NEA). In his article he first cites the Constitution’s First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Mr. Croddy goes on to say that a moment of silence is really just the beginning of the erosion of this First Amendment right (Croddy 45). He also says, “If we give the agents of government the right to require any religious practice of the citizenry – no matter how small—then we are well on our way to eliminating religious freedom” (Croddy 45). In his article he makes his opinion very clear that there is no need to insti

As you can see the opinions are very strong and wide-ranging. On September 4th Ward spoke on the public address system and said," Dear Lord"I pray that you also reach each and every person here tonight, especially those involved in the game, that they will demonstrate good sportsmanship, Lord, and that we"tmll have safety with all involved" In Jesus"tm name I pray, Amen. For instance, on February 26, 1998 a 5th Circuit court banned student led prayer at football games. " Judge Lake's decision was soon overturned by a panel of judges three to one. An attorney out of Houston, Kelly Coghlan is a champion of the right to pray in school. Recently a Santa Fe senior, Marian Ward argues that regardless of the directive handed down from the 5th Circuit she should be allowed to pray at football games. He also says, "If we give the agents of government the right to require any religious practice of the citizenry - no matter how small then we are well on our way to eliminating religious freedom" (Croddy 45). Comeaux says that a moment of silence is not any one religion and can be very beneficial to students to clear their minds of clutter before the day begins (Comeaux 45). tute a specific time for a moment of silence or prayer. She has been teaching for nine years and is president of the Monroe City Association of Educators in Louisiana. She says that a moment of silence is not promoting religion.