Prayer in public schools

I had a little argument with my mom who believes prayer should not have been removed from schools. I basically stated the classroom lead prayer does not belong in a goverment run instution which public schools are. It violates the seperation of church and state. It also would make children of different beliefs or non beliefs very uncomfortabe and even lead to bullying which seems to be dirceted at anyone who is different. What are your feeliings on this? Also does anyone know if children were forced pray back in the times when prayer in schools was legal? My mother believes that kids did not have to pray if they did not want to but I myself am not so sure about that

It should NOT be in public schools. Religious education yes, forcing one particular religion, no.

I don't care. People don't HAVE to pray if they don't want to, which shouldn't take away from the people who do want to pray.
I used to have to do bible study in school for half hour once a week, it's not a big deal. It's learning about everyone else, can't be self absorbed all the time.

When I went to a catholic school, we were required to and would get in trouble if we didn't. Not exactly the same, but I would assume it may be similar.

As an atheist, it made me very uncomfortable. Through elementry school, until the end of high school, I'd skip 'Under God' in the pledge. I found it useless.

I think it should either be banned completely, or they need to have a 'prayer' for every religion and non-religion there is.

IDGAF. It is your childs choice if they want to participate or not. I never did participate in prayer because even as a kid I was informed of religions because my parents taught me about them and my rights.

I do not believe there should be prayer in public school. If a child wants to pray by themselves before eating or something like that it is fine. I think it is completely inappropriate especially considering there are so many different faiths or non faiths. It would just lead to kids being singled out or made to feel uncomfortable or do something that they do not believe in.

Moment of silence is basicly the way kids get the opportunity to pray. I see nothing wrong with it as long as it not forced. I also see nothing wrong with celebrating hoildays of different cultures in schools .

I just learned in my Pol Sci class last semester that pray is allowed at school function as long as it does not cater to one denomination. The moment of silence is for the student to do whatever they want with. I used to pray for my dad when he was overseas.

I agree 110%! This country was NOT founded as a religious nation. This country was founded with the Requirement of separation of church and state, but at the time a federally and state funded public school system did not exist. It was unconstitutional and went against our country's ideals when people selfishly felt they had the right to institute their personal religious prayer into other's education. A person can privately pray at any time of the day they want, they do not need permission to silently pray and do not other's to be quiet for them,

Quoting Historymomma:" I agree 110%! This country was NOT founded as a religious nation. This country was founded with the ... [snip!] ... pray at any time of the day they want, they do not need permission to silently pray and do not other's to be quiet for them,"

 

I am a Christian and a teacher and I agree with you.

I would feel very uncomfortable leading a prayer in a classroom of children who I do not know their religious beliefs or lack there of.

That being said, I have had students bow their head and pray (for instance, when Newtown happen) and I allow them to do it as they please. If other students have questions about it, I direct them to the person praying.

Quoting Kimber-lily:" I don't care. People don't HAVE to pray if they don't want to, which shouldn't take away from the people ... [snip!] ... school for half hour once a week, it's not a big deal. It's learning about everyone else, can't be self absorbed all the time. "

My issue would be if it was a school manadated thing. I have nothing against students choosing to pray as long as it is not disruptive.

I'd be livid if my children were forced to listen or partake in prayer time that took away from their learning. If I wanted my kids praying in class, I'd send them to a religious-affiliated school.

I went to public elementary school in the 80s, we never prayed. Unless you count, "In God We Trust" during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Not for PUBLIC SCHOOL.