The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is one of the most exercised and controversial amendments to the Constitution. Freedom of religion, one element covered in the amendment, constantly causes contentious issues to arise, and many to remain unsettled; issues such as requiring prayer in schools, the placing of the Ten Commandments and other religious symbols in governmental and public buildings, and the phrase "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Until 1962, state-mandated prayers in school were considered legal and just. However, when the Supreme Court ruled in the Engle vs. Vitale decision that state-mandated prayer in school was unconstitutional, the rift between supporters and non-supporters was widened. Supporters of mandated prayer in 1962 argued that terminating school prayer ended an American tradition and broke American heritage. Current-day Supporters argue that the lack of prayer has caused a collapse in our country's ethics and morals. However, Americans against prayer in schools have a completely different opinion of the situation. They feel that demanding a student to pray justifies one, dominant religion over minority religions. They believe this could cause potential harassment and school violence to increase. .
American citizens also have different views in determining the constitutionality of placing the Ten Commandments and other religious symbols in governmental buildings. Some citizens believe that placing the Commandments in governmental buildings violates their right to religious freedom. The first four commandments refer theologically to the Christian and Jewish religions. Thus, non-Judeo-Christians may possibly be offended by the presence of the Commandments. Many Americans also believe that placing the Commandments and other religious symbols in the public view validates one religion over another. Some Americans believe that placing the Commandments in governmental buildings breaks the separation of church and government.
