Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman
Well, they already can, so there’s that…
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/..._guidance.html
A. Prayer During Non-instructional Time
Students may pray when not engaged in school activities or instruction, subject to the same rules designed to prevent material disruption of the educational program that are applied to other privately initiated expressive activities. Among other things, students may read their Bibles, Torahs, Korans, or other scriptures; say grace before meals; and pray or study religious materials with fellow students during recess, the lunch hour, or other non-instructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities. While school authorities may impose rules of order and pedagogical restrictions on student activities, they may not discriminate against student prayer or religious perspectives in applying such rules and restrictions.
C. Teachers, Administrators, and Other School Employees
When acting in their official capacities as representatives of the State, teachers, school administrators, and other school employees are prohibited by the First Amendment from encouraging or discouraging prayer, and from actively participating in such activity with students. Teachers, however, may take part in religious activities where the overall context makes clear that they are not participating in their official capacities. Teachers also may take part in religious activities such as prayer even during their workday at a time when it is permissible to engage in other private conduct such as making a personal telephone call. Before school or during lunch, for example, teachers may meet with other teachers for prayer or Bible study to the same extent that they may engage in other conversation or nonreligious activities. Similarly, teachers may participate in their personal capacities in privately sponsored baccalaureate ceremonies or similar events.
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Thanks Kevin.
For what it’s worth, my read of: “ may take part in religious activities where the overall context makes clear that they are not participating in their official capacities”
Would not include a coach of a football team on the field. That is a pretty clear context they are in their official capacities….
I have zero issue if this guy sat quietly on the bench for a second or said a prayer in his office or his car, but at a public school this doesn’t feel right to me.
This wasn’t the equivalent of a ‘personal phone call’
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