Reflecting on Religious Expression and School Prayer Essay

This country is comprised of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic groups, sexual orientations, and faith traditions. Whether it relates to race, class, religion or any other category where one resides in the dominant group, it is tempting not to become oppressive and fail to show mutual respect to the diverse cultures and beliefs of other groups. Furthermore, as educational leaders, we must be equipped with knowledge around policies related to the above mentioned, so that we can enforce such and build upon those that need refining. In reflecting on religious expression and school prayer, it is important to realize the current legal issues and policies that should inform the regulation of such within the context of the†¦show more content†¦Any school promotion or endorsement of a students private religious activity is unconstitutional. There have been various acts across schools within this country to discriminate and demean students within schools because they follow faith traditions different than that of the dominant group. Thus, it is important to realize that though as a school body one cannot endorse or promote one religion or faith-tradition over another, as educational leaders we also should not engage in discrimination and disrespect for faith believes that do not align with ours or allow other students and staff to engage in such. Rather we must work to promote multicultural acceptance and mutual respect, celebrating the rich diversity among all individuals and groups. Landmark Cases There are three landmark cases most relevant to the discussion on religious expression and school prayer. Engle v. Vitale is a case where the Court held that recitation of a prayer composed by the New York State Board of Regents, which was to be said in the presence of a teacher at the beginning of school each day, was unconstitutional and in violation of the Establishment Clause. School District of Abington Township v. Schempp presents a case where the Court held that reading the Bible for sectarian purposes and reciting the Lord’s Prayer in public schools during normal hours were unconstitutional; however, the Court asserted that the Bible could be read as literature inShow MoreRelated Religion and Prayer Must Not be Permitted in Public School Essay1823 Words   |  8 Pagescountry was made up of people from more than one religious background, the government had to come up with a way to accommodate all of its citizens. 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