Our constitution clearly sets a division between the federal government and religion. Today, schools allow equal opportunities for all groups, including religious groups, to organize on school grounds. Events like this are allowed because they are student-run. Schools are not allowed to stop a student from praying, as long as it does not disrupt other students. Students can pray before class begins, in the hallways, and any other time when class is not in session.
Students also have the right to express their religious beliefs during the school day.
If adopted, the amendment would allow public officials, including teachers, to dictate how, when and where school children and others should pray. The First Amendment already guarantees every student in the United States the right to pray in school on a voluntary basis. Stephanie Sheikholeslami, '02 feels that a school prayer amendment would prohibit the people who celebrated a particular religion from praying whenever they wanted to.