Allowing prayer in public schools remains a compelling and often heated issue for many Americans. Is a student-led Lord's Prayer acceptable before the big game on Friday night? What about a two-minute "moment of silence" during home room? Of course, this isn't simply a matter of prayer itself but a representation of a much larger, more encompassing topic: Where does the line exist between religious freedom and religious imposition?
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Too Often, Schools Choose Censorship Over Religious Expression
- From Rutherford Institute
By The Rutherford Institute - Civil Liberties and Human Rights
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Censorship of Prayer
Not allowing students to express their religious beliefs in school is most definately a violation of freedom of speech. And censoring a highschool graduation speech is taking it way too far. The valedictorian has a right to say what she wants, its her speech, not the schools. Just because I might pray before I eat my lunch or take a test or read the Bible during my study doesn't mean that school now has to be thought of as a religious environment. We need to be respectful of the many different religions and beliefs around them and one way to do this is to give the students the freedom to express their religious beliefs.
- LeeLee
February 9, 2009 8:35PM
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Unfair Actions.
By censoring a high school valedictorian speech, the school is stripping the student away from any of their rights protected by the Constitution. Also, students and teachers should have the same privileges and rights when it comes to prayer in school . They are protected under the same Constitution and rights. If teachers want to pray, then they shouldn't be denied.
- kcesarski
February 11, 2009 9:54PM
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definately..
although my school does not censor religion very much, I know that many schools do. Schools have no right to tell students they cannot discuss religion with eachother; it is taking away a constitutional right of freedom of expression. I agree that religion shouldn't be forced onto students by staff, but as far as students who are required to be at school, they should be able to say what they want without being hushed. In the case of the girl giving a speech, that is just plain wrong. Unless explicit words are said, the girl shouldn't be censored for talking about her faith.
- riley February 12, 2009 9:51AM
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Censoring Prayer in Schools
To censor prayer in schools is a direct violation of freedom of speech. People should have the right to pray, unless it becomes a major problem to where it distracts those around him/her. As long as no major problems are arising in prayer, there is absolutely no reason why prayer should be dismissed.
- Skippy Johnson
February 16, 2009 11:10AM
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Always Too Careful
As an individual that feels very strongly about my faith, I am not speaking to impose my views on others, but to share a truth that is more often than not forgotten. I feel that the allowance of prayer in school really does no harm to others. It is not imposing on others, I feel that it is strictly for an individual's "use". I feel that most of the time things such as Christianity and Catholicism are taboo in society because we have to be careful no to offend those who may not believe in God, but I feel just the same. What about the feelings of those that do believe in God? I am always saddened when individuals neglect to pay homage to our nation by not saying the pledge because of one three letter word that has different meaning for all. It is not prayer. I think people get to caught up in the politics of it all, that what is neglected are the values and morals that individuals like to uphold in their everyday lives.
- TrapshootingGirl
February 17, 2009 8:42PM
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About the court case...
presently making it's way through the system: I think that if someone referenced God in my graduation speech I may be offended. Not that I am not "anti - religion" or anything, I just do not think that God should come up when being addressed to the whole student body in a manner, that crosses the line.
- SConn
February 17, 2009 9:17PM
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Curious
So.... what exactly would offend you about it?
Is it that the student has faith in god or that she attributes some of her success to his/her involvement? Would it be better had she referenced her specific religion instead of an omnipotent being that a minority don't believe exists?
If the student was asked to speak then she should be allowed to. No matter what she says. If she had come out as a lesbian and declared her love for someone should they censor that? I don't think so. But that's the other end of the spectrum isn't it?
- ecuadmail
May 25, 2009 12:55PM
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Censorship... really?
Students can express their religious beliefs, but a student led prayer ? If that started when I was in high school I would have drown it out with a recount of the past 1500 or so years of Christian oppression of the general population, of its suppression of knowledge, and of the way it just loves to hold science down with one hand while pretending to care about the welfare of society . I'm not an atheist, but it is not ok for students to do this. What about the kid who doesn't join in on this? I remember in 8th grade, when I considered myself a roman catholic the people in my class would all make fun of one girl in my class for being an outspoken atheist. It's extremely embarrassing but it clearly shows that this stuff happens. I grew up in an extremely progressive town, but things like this do happen.
- ikenovak
March 26, 2009 10:56PM
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Not censorship....
Prayer in schools has never been abolished. Anyone can pray to whatever object they wish, anytime they wish, so long as they aren't being disruptive. However, evangelizing/proselytizing is definitely crossing the line of what is acceptable and what isn't. Brittany McComb's rights weren't violated; she continued her speech, though it was disrespectful to the people who believed otherwise. So, her free speech rights weren't violated, she just didn't have any special right to a microphone or an audience. If believers want to pray and share their faith among like-minded people, that's fine, but imposing it on a somewhat captive audience is unconscionable.
- aveteran
June 9, 2009 1:39AM
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