MISLEADING

The assertion that the Bible and prayer were removed from schools is misleading as it lacks the critical distinction between government-sponsored actions and private rights. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1962 that school-sponsored prayer is unconstitutional because it violates the Establishment Clause 1 5 13. Subsequent rulings in the 1960s also struck down mandated Bible readings and devotional exercises 4 10 11. While state-mandated religious activities were ended, the Constitution still protects the right of students to engage in voluntary, private prayer 2 7 8. Therefore, prayer has not been removed from the school system entirely; rather, the government is prohibited from orchestrating or requiring it 2 12.