Prayer at Graduation By: Candace Calvillo

1 st Amendment-Freedom of Religion, Press, and Expression 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. The 1 st Amendment protects people’s rights to practice religion, speak freely, to assemble, to address the government, and of the press to publish.

Separation of Church and State: The spread of the Roman Catholic group became a threat to other religions, such as Protestants, who wanted to prevent the mass spread of the Roman Catholic schools. The influence of the anti- Catholic prejudice by 19-century Protestants; is what lead to the establishment of separation of church and state. The U.S. Supreme Court established Jefferson’s view of separating church and state in 1879, though it has remained a big issue still today in the schools and courts.

The Establishment Clause The Establishment Clause prohibits state from passing law that aid a religion or show preference for one religion over another; free exercise clause prohibits the state from interfering with individuals religious freedoms

1960: If you would have been a student in United Stated in 1945, it would have been no surprise or issue to hear, recite or participate in prayer in the public schools. However, after 1960, the first real issue of prayer in public schools was addressed in a landmark case by the U.S. Supreme court. The U.S. Supreme Court first addressed prayer in public school in the famous Engle vs. Vitale case; banning praying in school activities across the United States

Continue.. The Supreme Court ruled that prayer-- even voluntary, student led prayer—was unconstitutional in our public schools. New York state board of education, was struck down by the court and the simple 22 word prayer was no longer allowed to be stated in the schools. “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence on Thee, and we beg Thy blessing upon us, our parents, our teachers and our county.”

Continue.. The fact is, the Board of Regents for State of New York did authorize a short voluntary prayer for recitation at the beginning of every school day, however, though the prayer was nondenominational and voluntary, that does not save it from being seen as unconstitutional The law states that a school should remain neutral in all religious aspects and by New York providing the prayer, shows that they officially approve religion.

Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District The U.S. Supreme Court decided in Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District in Texas, to allow each high school senior class to decide whether to offer student- initiated and student-led prayers at its graduation ceremony, for this does not violate the First Amendment ban on the government’s establishment of religion.

Santa Fe Independent School District v. Jane Doe The next extensive landmark case which banned prayer at graduation, along with athletic and other school-sponsored events, was the Supreme Court ruling in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Jane Doe This case brought much attention to the importance that Texas, along with other states, would no longer be allowed to have the option of student led prayers at school activities, even if student opted to participate voluntarily. However, this “law” doesn’t pertain to the private, voluntary prayer that falls under the free exercise clause, like stated before, a state cannot interfere with individual religious freedoms.

Houston ISD The District shall not adopt a policy that establishes an improper majoritarian election on religion and has the purpose and creates the perception of encouraging the delivery of prayer at a series of important school events. The religious liberty protected by the Constitution is abridged when a district affirmatively sponsors the particular religious practice of prayer.

Continued.. When looking at the demographics of Houston ISD, it is clear to see how diverse the student body and faculty members are. This will allow you to assume that with so many diverse individuals, there are just as many different religious views.

1992-Lee vs. Weisman Lee vs. Weisman made it illegal for public high schools to schedule a prayer during a graduation ceremony. A similar case in Louisiana took place and the payer was dropped in favor of a moment of silence This moment of silence is something that districts in Texas have followed during the morning announcements after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the Texas Flag. Every morning, students and faculty have time to themselves to do what they feel, including for some, a prayer.

Closing.. I was very intrigue to discover that this controversial issue of prayer in public school events dates back to Each case, individuals felt that their First Amendments were being violated. I feel as our country continues to grow and become more diverse, this topic will continue to be one for discussion. As an educator I feel that it is crucial that we are aware of our rights and those of others. It is not enough to say that we have freedom of speech, there are rules that are imbedded into that law. It’s important that as citizens in this great country, that we educate ourselves on the rights and laws that were put in place for us.

Thank you!