School Prayer: A History of the Debate Taylor Allen Book report

School Prayer: A History of the Debate

Taylor Allen

Book report

I have honestly read this book, this quarter from cover to cover_________________________.

1. Title:School Prayer: A History of the Debate

2. Author: Tricia Andryszewski

3.Pages: 104

4.Characters and their roles.

There are different groups of people who want different things. They take the different roles in this book.

Non-Religious-- Do not want their right to not practice a religion respected.

Religious-- Want their right to practice their religion in a school setting.

Christian Coalition-- lobbying group

Supreme Court-- Made many the final decisions.

Engel vs. Vitale-- Determined that a composed school prayer for recitation was unconstitutional.

Abington vs. Schempp-- Determined that bible recitation was unconstitutional.

5.Book rating: I would rate this book a 4. It seemed a bit repetitive, but was very informative.

6. Law Terms

Supreme Court-- The highest court of the United States, composed of nine judges.

First amendment-- Amendment that protects the rights of Religion, petition, press, assembly, and speech.

Fourteenth amendment-- Protects the rights of individuals on the the state level

ACLU-- American Civil Liberties Union. Legal union that protects rights of individuals and groups.

7. Book Summary

School Prayer: A History of the Debate

During the 1950’s and 1960’s a debate began to arise about school prayer and its constitutionality. The Proponents of it said, that it was unconstitutional to NOT be able to pray in schools as it was one’s religious right. The opponents of School prayer said the same thing, that it was unconstitutional, on the basis that it forced others religious beliefs on individuals. During this time it was common practice for the day to begin with recitation of a prayer, reading the bible and saying the pledge of allegiance. A movement for more secular government began, beginning with the public schools. This naturally incited many emotions.

In 1959 a local school board required that the “regents’ prayer” be recited after the pledge of allegiance. Many students and parents objected to this practice and the families filed a law suit. This suit became known as Engel vs. Vitale. After a lot of time and money, the decision was appealed to the supreme court. On June 25th, 1962, the court decreed that school prayer was unconstitutional even if not all of the students were required to participate.

One year later on June,17, 1963, the court made another decision, in the Abington vs. Schempp case. The court decreed that bible reading of any kind, even if some students chose not to participate, was unconstitutional. After these two decisions, many people were outraged. Some states and school boards refused to change. They continued with their own practices.

After this major change, there began to arise questions of whether public could be used by religious groups. Congress passed the equal access act, stating that facilities could be used for meeting if all other groups were also allowed the opportunity, ( with a few other limitations).

Many individuals and groups have attempted to create amendments to the constitution allowing school prayer, or other religious material, but have been unsuccessful. The supreme courts decision stands today.