John Richard Schrock By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK School-sponsored prayer is not back, despite some media announcements in mid-January. The First Amendment enacted in 1791 clearly states that “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….” Thomas Jefferson stated this clause was to establish a “wall of separation between church and state.” In 1947, the U.S. Supreme Court reinforced that the government must remain neutral toward religion. That includes public schools as state agencies. Summary of Significant Court Decisions Case/Year/Court Decision Everson v. Board of Education 1947 Government cannot provide aid to one religion, or all religions, but must be neutral toward religion. Engle v. Vitale 1962 School-sponsored prayer or official recitation of prayers violated the Establishment Clause. Schools cannot write or choose a specific prayer and require all students to say it. Abington v. Schempp 1963 If the study of the Bible and religion is presented objectively in a non-religious program of study, it is not unconstitutional. Lemon v. Kurtzman 1971 Statutes regarding establishment of religion must have a legitimate secular purpose, neither advance or inhibit religion, and not foster excessive government entanglement. Wisconsin v. Yoder 1972 Exempted Amish children from […]
