Even at a high school graduation in the hand-out, a prayer can not be planned. Rather, the seniors have to decide before the ceremony if they want someone to say a prayer before the ceremony begins, and if so, who will say it. In 1962, in the case of Engel vs. Vitale, the Supreme Court ruled that no longer could teachers lead a prayer before starting the school. Even though in the First Amendment we are guaranteed the freedom of speech, religion, to bare arms, and press, that was not the case in this decision. The case of Engel was against the Supreme Court stating that the prayer in no way should be bias to any one religious denomination, but prayer should be allowed.
Freedom of religion is one of an American citizen's constitutional rights.
Perhaps a teacher should not lead prayer, but if a student feels like praying, they should be allowed to do so. Statistics have shown that schools with the Ten Commandments posted have less crime than those without them posted. No one will be able to solve the controversy anytime soon. No matter what the outcome, everyone can't be pleased. Prayer in the schools will always be debated.