Talk:Engel v. Vitale

The idea that Engel v. Vitale prohibited prayer in public schools is disingenuous. The opening paragraph of the decision specifically states: "Because of the prohibition of the First Amendment against the enactment of any law "respecting an establishment of religion," which is made applicable to the States by the Fourteenth Amendment, state officials may not compose an official state prayer and require that it be recited in the public schools of the State at the beginning of each school day - even if the prayer is denominationally neutral and pupils who wish to do so may remain silent or be excused from the room while the prayer is being recited." http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=370&invol=421

Recommend the article be changed to reflect the actual words of the court. --Lakota 22:39, 7 August 2007 (EDT)

I second this motion. Anyone who's ever been to a public school knows that prayer is not banned there. No one cared that I recited the shema before every single calculus test I ever took. This court case bans the school (an extension of the government) from mandating an official prayer be recited, as this is obviously in violation with the principle behind the Establishment clause. But heck, if you want this court case reverted, just don't get upset when some schools erect minarets and have a call to prayer each morning before homeroom! ΨtrykeЯ ^eh?> 12:31, 8 August 2007 (EDT)