Due to the actions of one family, a Louisiana school district has stopped their forced religious prayer in the morning. It is common for religious messages and symbols to be scattered throughout town, however the Cole family didn’t want their daughter feeling pressured in her learning environment.
This is similar to the Wisconsin v Yoder (1972) case that said it wasn’t mandatory for Amish parents to send their children to public school beyond 8th grade, as it was part of their religious beliefs. Both situations deal with trouble navigating education and religion.
I think it’s difficult in differentiating whether someone is using their right to free speech and when someone is interfering with another’s beliefs. People will always argue both ways but it’s inport to remember that you can’t force anyone to do anything.
https://www-m.cnn.com/2018/05/14/us/louisiana-school-prayer-lawsuit/index.html
I agree with your statement, faith is optional. The circumstances would be different if a child was banned from praying on their own terms or within their own free time but a school cannot force their students to participate in religious practices if it is a public establishment.
ReplyDeleteI find it suprising that the school is just now banning mandatory prayer.
ReplyDeleteMandatory prayer in school was already made illegal in the Supreme Court Case Engel v Vitale; it surprises me that it would take so long for said school district to actually comply with a 1962 court decision
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing however I know that it is very easy for districts to get around Supreme Court decisions, just look at Brown v Board. Would love to do more research.
DeleteMaria Gonzalez
ReplyDeleteIts surprising to see that this school barely banned prayer specially if its not a religious school. They are violating their first amendment rights.