School Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance: Background

The Pledge of Allegiance and school prayer have been debated in America's public schools for decades. Both issues touch on students' constitutional rights. This especially concerns the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The debate revolves around balancing students' rights with the separation of church and state. The U.S. Supreme Court has made several decisions related to these topics. They clarify the rights and limitations of public school students.

This article gives a brief background on the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer at school.

A Brief History of Prayer and the Pledge

In the early days of American public schools, it was not uncommon for the school day to begin with a Bible reading or a short prayer. Elementary, middle, and high schools did this for many years. They usually began the day with the Lord's Prayer. For many years, this practice went unquestioned. It reflected the broader Christian culture of the country. In the 1960s, this changed.

In the 1962 Supreme Court decision, Engel v. Vitale, the court ruled on a New York law. The case was about schools allowing a short, voluntary prayer at the start of the school day. The Supreme Court held that this prayer violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The next year, the court struck down school-sponsored Bible reading in School District of Abington Township Pennsylvania v. Schempp (1963). These cases established that school-sponsored religious activities are unconstitutional. This was found to violate the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

Several years later, in Stone v. Graham (1980), the U.S. Supreme Court made another important ruling. This time, the court held that posting the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms in Kentucky was unconstitutional. The court found the action violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Let's discuss the constitutional rights that these cases addressed.

What Are Students' Rights To Pray at School?

Public school students have First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. These rights guarantee free speech and religious freedom for all American citizens. In the context of school prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, two clauses are especially relevant: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause.

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prevents public schools from endorsing or requiring religious activities. So, school-sponsored prayers, like starting the day with the Lord's Prayer or Bible reading, have been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. These actions were found to violate the Establishment Clause.

The Free Exercise Clause ensures students can practice their individual religious beliefs without interference. This means they can pray individually or in student groups. This is true so long as the students are not disruptive to the educational environment. Like prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance is a focal point in discussions about the intersection of personal beliefs and collective expressions in public schools.

What Is the Pledge of Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance is essentially an oath students recite that promises loyalty to America. It begins with "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America." It concludes with "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The phrase "under God" was added in 1954 by Congress during President Eisenhower's term.

Today, many public schools continue to begin their school day with the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem and moments of silence in schools, like the pledge, serve as collective expressions. These expressions often reflect patriotism or reflection. These collective expressions spark debate on individual rights and beliefs within public settings.

Controversies Surrounding the Pledge of Allegiance and Student Prayer

Jehovah's Witness students, because of their religious beliefs, were often expelled for refusing to salute the flag in the 1940s. But, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), ruled that forcing students to salute the flag or recite the pledge violated their First Amendment rights.

In 2000, in Newdow v. Elk Grove Unified School District, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the words "under God" in the pledge violated the Establishment Clause. However, the U.S. Supreme Court did not address the issue directly because it never left the lower court. This is because the plaintiff, Newdow, lacked legal standing in California.

As society continues to evolve and diversity, future controversies will likely arise. People may challenge the boundaries of cultural norms and legal interpretations in the future. Addressing these issues will require a delicate balance between individual rights, societal values, and legal precedents.

What To Do if Your Rights Are Violated

If you feel your rights are violated, you should:

• Speak to school officials or the school board. Explain your concerns and ask for a resolution.
• Document any incidents or responses.
• Contact a legal organization or attorney in your area who understands First Amendment rights. For example, contact a Florida attorney if you are attending a Florida school.

Getting Legal Help

Federal courts, district courts, and the Supreme Court handle legal challenges involving constitutional rights. If you believe your rights have been violated, consider seeking legal help. Lawyers can help explain the rights of school children. They can help you navigate state law and the Bill of Rights.

Reach out to an education law attorney in your area today.