For centuries, the debate has existed whether or not to allow prayer in public schools. Many Americans feel it is not the right of the school to teach religion, but the parent. With all the diversity associated with the United States, public schools cannot select one standard religion to practice, due to the cultural and religious differences in this country. Parents are also concerned that, by allowing prayer in schools, children will no longer be attending an educational institute but a religious one.
             Our forefathers founded this nation on the belief of religious equality. The Federal Constitution, in 1789, received the first of ten amendments, set up to protect the rights of it's citizens, today these ten amendments are considered the Bill of Rights. The first amendment states that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances"(Haas, 36). Put into simpler terms no man or woman should be forced into a specific religion, or should be quieted by peers or should not be allowed to gather as a group of citizens. A public school, as stated in the Bill of Rights, cannot force any student to practice one religion. Being forced to pray in a specific religion is against the Constitution.
             The United States of America has one of the most diverse populations in the world. Since the diversity is so great, there are many different religions one can follow. Due to this, public schools should not allow prayer in school. By allowing prayer in school, students will be forced to practice a religion, outside of their choice. The phrase, " 'Almighty God' is included in one of the prayers, professing a belief that atheists agnostics and other non-believers do not hold (Haas, 36). A student wh...