1. Engel v Vitale Kenneth Seamans

2. Case Background 1951- The New York State Board of Education issued a short nondenominational prayer for students to voluntary say before each school day. 1951- The New York State Board of Education issued a short nondenominational prayer for students to voluntary say before each school day. The parents of 10 students in the New York Hyde Park School filed a lawsuit against the school because the prayer was contrary to their own beliefs. The parents of 10 students in the New York Hyde Park School filed a lawsuit against the school because the prayer was contrary to their own beliefs. The New York State Appeals Court ruled in favor of the school, saying that the prayer was only voluntary. The New York State Appeals Court ruled in favor of the school, saying that the prayer was only voluntary.

3. The Prayer “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country.”

4. Arguments Engel (The Parents) Believed that having an established school prayer, even a voluntary one, violated the separation of church and state. Even though the prayer was also nondenominational, it still went against the students first amendment rights because it acknowledged a god. Vitale (The School District) The main argument of the school was that the prayer was nondenominational so it didn’t show support to one particular religion. Also, because the prayer was voluntary it wasn’t required for students to recite. The Education Board said they hoped the prayer would help the students become better citizens and create better morals. The main argument of the school was that the prayer was nondenominational so it didn’t show support to one particular religion. Also, because the prayer was voluntary it wasn’t required for students to recite. The Education Board said they hoped the prayer would help the students become better citizens and create better morals.

5. The Supreme Court Made it to the Supreme Court in 1961 Made it to the Supreme Court in 1961 6 votes for Vitale, 1 vote, Justice Black, for Engel. 6 votes for Vitale, 1 vote, Justice Black, for Engel. Significance- First of many cases where the Supreme Court began eliminating religious themes in many public ceremonies and activities by using the Establishment Clause. Significance- First of many cases where the Supreme Court began eliminating religious themes in many public ceremonies and activities by using the Establishment Clause.