Prayer in Public Schools

Essay by mariahuntCollege, Undergraduate December 2014

download word file, 2 pages 0.0

PG 3: Confirmation/Refutation

Prayer should be prohibited in public schools in the United States

EXPOSITION: Prayer has been a part of our world before us, before our parents, and before our founding fathers. Today, the ancient practice has raised eyebrows and has many Americans asking: Should administrator led prayer be prohibited in public schools in the United States? In a country with diverse religions, ethnicities, and views, this topic is definitely debatable. Religious faith can be a powerful force, either for good or evil. This topic makes many uncomfortable due to moral and practical issues. One side supports this topic believing the U.S is endorsing religion by allowing organized prayer, and students should not be forced into prayer. The opposing side argues it is their natural right to exercise religious practices wherever, and whenever desired. Both sides desire protection for themselves and their rights.

I.CONFIRMATION

JUSTICE: All students, whether Catholic, Jewish, Christian, atheist, attend public school.

It should be prohibited for schools to have a concrete, religious theme due to the fact all students do not share common religion. The public school system is created for all students and supported by all tax payers. It should therefore remain neutral on religious issues over which all students and taxpayers differ. All taxpayers and parents will benefit from the prohibition of prayer in public schools.

MORALITY: Given the incredible diversity of American society, it's important that our public schools respect the beliefs of everyone and protect parental rights. The schools can best do this by not sponsoring religious worship. This principle ensures that America's public schools are welcoming to all students and leaves decisions about religion where they belong with the family. In addition, public schools should not take the place of parents by practicing prayer and religion.

PRACTICALITY: The claim is practical and convenient for American society as a whole due to the fact religion is private and school is public. Families and students should spend time at home, with parents, honoring their higher power. Public school students will be protected from harassment made by other students from different religions. Therefore, American society will also be protected from this harassment that will turn into a political issue.

II.REFUTATION

INJUSTICE: The statement is unfair and robs students of the First Amendment in the U.S Constitution. This amendment respects religion and the freedom to exercise thereof. In addition, prohibiting prayer in public schools is discrimination to one whom takes pride in his religion. He should not feel uncomfortable in a learning environment where he will spend fourteen years of his life. Students will suffer from prohibiting to express themselves freely.

IMMORALITY: Religious liberties are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S Constitution, which means that federal government is obligated by law to not interfere with the right to express or practice religion, regardless of location. The U.S Constitution is in jeopardy prohibiting prayer in public schools. The Separation of Church and State was never intended to restrict religious practice anywhere. It was intended to protect people's right to practice their religion.

IMPRACTICALITY: The climate of today's culture is sensitive, as many seem to be thin-skinned, unable to cope with individuals who hold differing views or who disagree with their value system. The public school system is unfortunately shattered as evidenced by a rise in school shootings, drug use, alcoholism, and teen pregnancy. School prayer would result in many societal benefits, combating these issues.