Students constitutionally have a right to pray individually or in groups to discuss religious views or scriptures so long as they are not disruptive to the educational progression of those around them.(Religion) Some groups of Christians still believe that this law should be furthered to where there is government sponsored prayers in class.(Risinger) On the opposite side, according to American Atheists Incorporated, prayer should be completely left behind when entering public school grounds.(Prayer) These two groups need to understand that when students pray individually they are not disrupting those who do not wish to participate, yet they may still exercise their right to pray. One suggestion to resolve this conflict was voluntary prayer. In other words, teachers would call those who wished to pray up to the front and those who did not wish do had no obligation to do so. This did not satisfy all parties because it was believed that the teachers were setting an example and that it was also discriminating against those who did not wish to pray.(Prayer).
Pg. 3 HJFL .
Subsequently, students have the right to voice their own personal religious views when it pertains to the subject being discussed. They may not, however, make religious.
comments which have nothing to do with the material being discussed.(Religion) For example, if Abraham Lincoln's assassination is being discussed, a student may not voice his opinion on the morality of abortion. It is only common sense. However, students may not harass other students with religious material or comments.(Religion).
Students also have the constitutional right to wear clothing with religious symbols or statements on them.(Religion) This constitutional right may not be questioned and students may not be persecuted or singled out by faculty because of this. School faculty, however, when acting in official capacity may not encourage or solicit religious or anti-religious material.
