What are the guidelines regarding students praying together publicly or having religious clubs at public high schools?
A. Students are free to pray alone or in groups as long as the activity is student initiated and does not disrupt other students or compromise their learning environment. The prayer gatherings at the flagpole are legal, and if the school has no policy against distributing fliers, then the distribution is okay also. Remember that teachers and administrators are not allowed to join the flagpole prayers. Since your children are feeling uncomfortable and pressured to join the prayers, please contact the principal to make her aware that other students are feeling socially pressured to join the prayers at the flagpole. As to your question regarding the religious clubs, the Supreme Court has declared that the Equal Access Act is constitutional. That means if there are any non-curricular clubs permitted on the secondary school campus, e.g., a Chess Club, then a Christian Club is also permissible. Your child is free, therefore, to start a Jewish Club. Remember that the act has been interpreted
