Is organized prayer permitted in public schools?
A. No. The United States Supreme Court has clearly ruled that organized vocal prayer and ceremonial reading from the Bible are unconstitutional practices in the public school classroom. Furthermore, organized prayer is not permitted at student assemblies, athletic activities and special events. Q. Is private student prayer permitted in public schools? A. Yes. Students have the right to engage in individual prayer which is not coercive and does not substantially disrupt the school’s educational mission and activities. For example, all students have the right to silently say a prayer before a test, or grace before a meal. However, school officials must not be involved with private student prayer in any way, since any school promotion or endorsement of a student’s private religious activity is unconstitutional. Q. Is organized prayer permitted at public school graduation ceremonies? A. No. The United States Supreme Court in a 1992 decision, Lee v. Weisman, determined that organized prayer
