The U.S. Supreme Court's officially banned prayer in public schools in 1963. This nationwide decision to separate church and state has lead to controversy since this time, across our nation. In particular, since the tragedy of September11th, many in our nation have reverted to religion to make sense of the world problems our nation is now facing. What is interesting is that The House passed the non-binding resolution, “suggesting that schools set aside a sufficient period of time to allow children to pray for, or quietly reflect on behalf of, the nation during this time of struggle against the forces of international terrorism" (McQueen, 2001). Therefore, is there true separation of church and state, or is there separation when it is convenient for the government?
In New York, a recent problem developed when the chancellor of New York City Schools, Harold E. Levy, “ordered the schools to accommodate Muslim students who wish to pray during the Ramadan month” (New York Times, 2001, November 24). This order was later rescinded by Levy after reaction from the Catholic League, but Muslim students were extended special on-campus praying privileges, and were allowed to leave class during their daily prayer time (D'Agostino, 2001).
Through researching this topic, it appears that there is not a clear separation of church and state in New York. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled “to allow the Good News Club, a religious organization, to conduct its after-school Bible study and prayer program for elementary school students in a public school classroom in New York” (New York Times, 2001, June 12). With this decision and others across the country, it is clear that this is an ongoing controversy across our nation.
References:
D'Agostino, J.A. (2001, November 26). New York Schools Flip-Flop on Ramadan. Human Events 57(44). p. 4.
D'Agostino, J.A. (2001, November 26). New York Schools Flip-Flop on Ramadan. Human Events 57(44). p. 4.
McQueen, A. (2001, November 24). SchoolPrayers for a Nation at War? CQ Weekly 59(45). p. 2775.
New York Times. (2001, June 12). Proselytizing in the Schools. New York Times. 150(51782) p. A32.
New York Times. (2001, November 17). Schools to Allow Ramadan Prayer. New York Times. 151(51940) p. D2.
New York Times. (2001, June 12). Proselytizing in the Schools. New York Times. 150(51782) p. A32.
New York Times. (2001, November 17). Schools to Allow Ramadan Prayer. New York Times. 151(51940) p. D2.
