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Illinois School Board Journal
May - June 2001

Plenty of religious expression in public schools

By Charles A. Rohn

I recently visited an adult Sunday school class where the discussion turned to religion and the public schools. Among the statements I heard were these:

"Schools would not have discipline problems if prayer were allowed."

"A student cannot even say grace in the cafeteria."

"Students are not allowed to have a Bible study at school."

"Students are not permitted to circle the flagpole for prayer."

"When I was a student, we were taught right and wrong. Today’s students don’t know where rules come from."

"All of our troubles in public schools started when they kicked God out!"

Many of those in the class had children in the public schools, yet their understanding about religion in the schools was far from reality. They contended the faith they hold so dear could not be expressed in any fashion in today’s schools. They believed students, teachers, administrators and school staff cannot carry their religious beliefs with them into the public schools.

These parents, not unlike others, were wrong about the role of religious faith in the public schools.

Expression of religious beliefs in the public schools is a controversial issue. Numerous court cases have caused confusion concerning exactly what place religion has in our schools. School leaders must combine a general understanding of recent rulings with a large dose of common sense to avoid problems.

Can students pray in school? The bumper sticker states, "As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Schools." Students can pray in public schools, either as individuals or in groups. They can pray before a test or a ballgame, at lunch or before the start of classes. However, their prayers cannot be disruptive or infringe on others’ rights.

Long-established standards require that prayers be voluntary and that school employees not lead or publicly participate in the prayers. Courts have supported school employees leading a neutral moment of silence.

Can a school activity be opened with prayer? Many schools traditionally have opened graduation ceremonies, athletic events and other activities with prayer led by a student or a local minister. Current legal standards no longer allow this type of prayer. Recent court cases have been numerous, and the U.S. Supreme Court is soon expected to rule on the legality of prayer by student athletes at a school sporting event.

What is clear is that school officials cannot organize, initiate or encourage public prayer. But for the moment, student-initiated, student-led prayer during a time of meditation or reflection is legal.

Can teachers share their faith? The example that teachers set for their students speaks much louder than words. Because teachers have a captive audience, they are not allowed to proselytize or encourage students to accept specific religious beliefs. Children have an uncanny ability to clearly see what adults believe from their actions. A teacher who quietly exhibits religious beliefs in daily life will provide a positive example for students.

Can students hold a religious activity on school property? Many schools allow students to organize and meet for religious purposes on school property. This common activity is legal if done properly. The basic standards that must be met are that students must organize the activity, it must be voluntary and it cannot conflict with regular school activities. If a high school has established a limited open forum by allowing the scouts, chess club or other non-academic organizations to meet on school property, the Bible club also must be allowed to meet. Students across the country are meeting at their school to study the Bible and even to pray at the flagpole.

Can students read the Bible in public schools? Students do not leave their rights at the schoolhouse door. A student has a right to privately read materials but does not have the right to coerce other students to read or listen. Recent rulings have supported a student’s right to select religious materials for personal and private reading within the school building. A teacher, however, may refuse to allow a student to select religious materials for an assignment in order to meet the requirements of that assignment or to provide for the reading of a desired variety of materials.

In other words, a student may read a Bible or religious information privately during free time or if it is acceptable as reading material or resource for an assignment. But a student who continually chooses the Bible or other religious materials as the only source for book reports in every class may not be able to do so because teachers may require a broader scope of literature to be covered.

Can ministers be allowed on school property? Many ministers are involved with community activities that take place outside their churches. Many volunteer by reading to elementary students, supervising high school dances, tutoring students, coaching sports and serving on committees. Ministers have been called upon to be counselors to schoolchildren during a crisis.

In these roles, the ministers do not proselytize or verbalize their faith — they share their faith by living it. Ministers, as all other adults, can share their faith with youth both in and out of public schools primarily by living those beliefs.

The basic question has been, "Must public schools be ungodly places?" The answer: an emphatic no.

Religious beliefs can play an important part in the education of children. Laws and court cases interpreting the Constitution have placed limitations on expression of beliefs including religious beliefs of school officials and the community. However, religion and God can still be a part of raising children and having them attend public schools.

The dramatic court cases, the outlandish situation and the major tragedies grab the focus of the news media and often make us believe the worst about society and its youth. A community’s religious beliefs can and should be a part of the education of its children.

As long as educational leaders and teachers understand current standards and use common sense, there is no problem with the values of the community being expressed in public schools.