Most Americans Think That It is ‘Illegal’ to Pray in School
For more than 50 years, Americans have been confused about the issue of prayer in school and students’ rights to pray in school. Congress never passed any law prohibiting prayer or the free exercise of religion as stated in our U.S. Constitution / First Amendment. … “Congress shall make no law establishing a religion or denying the FREE EXERCISE THEREOF.”
The Supreme Court of these United States rulings and subsequent media reporting in recent years confused school administrators, students and the general public. The Supreme Court makes no laws and has never ruled limiting prayer by students or anyone in school. Some cases (Engel vs. Vitale 370 U.S. 421) implied and ruled that teachers and administrators may not lead, coerce or force students to pray, however these rulings have nothing to do with a student’s right to free speech and individual and group prayer initiated by students.
The 1962 a New York Times headline read, “SUPREME COURT OUTLAWS OFFICIAL SCHOOL PRAYERS.” The word “official” was key in that headline, not explaining that students have the right to pray. Students and teachers are free to pray at their desk, with friends, coworkers and classmates, during free time, at lunch, sports activities and special events, provided it does not interfere with normal class/school activities and lessons.
A growing coalition of American citizens, leaders, historians, educators, celebrities, government officials, children’s advocates and media moguls are teaming up to remind all Americans and especially students that it is legal to pray in school. This back to school TRUTH campaign is endorsed by many not for profit organizations, legal teams and parent and student groups.
Brad Dacus, President of Pacific Justice Institute, who has an army of free lawyers and legal counsel said, “In every case defending students’ rights to pray, the students have prevailed, even teachers have the right to pray in school.”
Bill Federer, American historian and president of Ameisearch and the American Minute and who is also a prolific author, speaker and radio/tv commentator said, “President Ronald Reagan said the constitution was never meant to prevent people from praying, its declared purpose was to protect their freedom to pray.”
Copyright free artwork for the campaign is available at the webpage: www.LegaltoPray.com
All participants will be sharing via radio, tv, internet media, twitter, email, text, Instagram, pinterest, youtube and all social and broadcast media and platforms.
Twitter: #ItIsLegalToPrayInSchool or #LegalToPray or #PrayInSchool
Many independent outdoor billboard owners, newspapers and magazine editors are also participating.
It is Legal to Pray in School is an informational public service campaign that does not attempt to promote any political, individual or organization’s agenda.
It is Legal to Pray in School is an informational campaign only.
Spokespersons and other resources for the campaign can be found at links on the webpage: www.LegalToPray.com or by contacting:
Brad Dacus, President, Pacific Justice Institute. [email protected], 916 719 9510
Bill Federer, President, American Minute, [email protected], 314 502 8924
Or [email protected] ,918 259 5000
The back to school TRUTH campaign initiates August 13th and encourages everyone to post, tweet, email, text, and share the It is Legal to Pray in School slogan and copyright free artwork/logo everywhere.
For more information visit www.LegalToPray.com
(Source: Christian Newswire)
