Take a Stance on Religion in Schools
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference. Freedom of expression consists of the rights to freedom of speech, press, and assembly. The First Amendment's Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion.” This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unjustifiably favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from preferring religion over non-religion, or non-religion over religion.
I selected this amendment because I believe that all people should have the right to express their religion in the ways that they see fit. If that means to pray during school or after school, then that is that individual’s right. In Duval County, prayer is not allowed at graduation or school activities. The law indicates that by allowing officials or students for that matter to recite a prayer, it imposes their religion onto the audience. I believe that the district has overcome that barrier of the law by allowing students to give inspirational speeches before or after the event. I also think that the expression of religion should be a little more relaxed in the school setting by allowing students to take more than two minutes to worship. In my current school setting, I do not see any form of prayer or moments of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance is not recited daily. I would like to see more prayer in public schools; my thinking is that it may decrease the amount of disciplinary issues that take place. Would you be opposed to the expression of religion in schools?
