School Prayers - Status of Prayers in Public Schools

Myths & Misconceptions about Prayer & Religion in Public School

The status of religion generally and prayer in particular are very important for America's Christian Right. Many see public schools as a site of indoctrination: they think kids are already being indoctrinated into communism, secular humanism, and feminism; they would rather have their own beliefs promoted by the state through the schools with prayer, Bible reading, official religious events, and more. Prayer, though, is a primary focus for their attention.

School Prayer Chronology

A time line of important events, legislation and court decision on the issue of prayer in public schools. The listings are coded with three different colors.

Overview of Case Law on Graduation Prayers

Questions about the constitutionality of graduation and commencement prayers are difficult to answer because the case law varies across the nation. The Supreme Court hasn't had a lot to say about graduation prayers specifically, though they have ruled on school prayers in other contexts, so the rulings of lower courts can have more authority over what is and is not legal for schools to do. This means that the same graduation prayers may be legal in one area of the country but not in another.

School Prayer Cases - Court Rulings on Prayer in Public Schools

To what extent, if any, may the government allow prayers at the graduation ceremonies of public schools? The answer is simple, although difficult to apply in practice: if the government has any say or controlling function over the words being said, then prayer and evangelism may not be a part of those words. This is the underlying principle which ties together a number of important court cases dealing with school prayer during football games, graduation ceremonies, and other school events.