Why some people think prayer in public schools could be a "YES"

There are some people that feel that prayer in public schools should be allowed. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion is important in schools, and important for children to learn and grow (2).

The US Supreme court makes too big of a deal of a simple prayer (2).

There are societal benefits to prayer, and schools need to teach lessons and issues other than solely academic (2).

The U.S. Supreme Court has urged school cooperation with religious authorities for “it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs (2).

The Equal Access Act EAA forces schools to treat religious clubs formed just the same as other extra curricular and student initiated clubs at school (1)

According to a survey done by Public Agenda, http://www.publicagenda.org/charts/more-two-thirds-americans-say-school-prayer-should-be-permitted-public-schools-when-asked-choose-half, 69% voted that prayer in public schools should be permitted, while 27% felt that prayer in public school should not be allowed. 4% said that they do not know.

Now I want to know what others think of this. 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HKSKSTV

Here I have posted a survey just like the one discussed earlier. It is completely anonymous; what do you think about the topic? How do you feel?

What about religion present in curriculums?

The ADL also says that religon can only be mentioned in a part of historical, cultural, or economic development, and “must be discussed in a neutral, objective, balanced and factual manner. The curriculum's approach may not be devotional or doctrinal, nor have the effect of promoting or inhibiting religion” (1).

The ADL explains that “Creationism -- which includes any theory that the universe was created by a divine being -- may not be taught as a scientific fact in public schools” (1).

Why prayer in Public Schools is a "NO"

Two main reasons why people feel that prayer in public schools should not be permitted is to keep the separation of church and state, and allow freedom on conscience.

The ADL “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”(1).

The ADL feels that keeping the church and state separate is necessary to keep religious freedom in the schools. They feel that religious liberty is very important, especially in the schools. 

The ADL

The Anti Defamation League (ADL), is a group who works to protect the religious liberties and civil liberties of people. It fights to keep God out of the classroom in public schools. Although there are many points of views and opinions on both sides of this issue, both sides will be addressed in this blog, in future blog posts to come. 

Any mention of the ADL uses information from this website:

http://www.adl.org/presrele/CvlRt_32/2430_32.asp