We wanted to bring to your attention the recent guidance issued by the Secretary of Education. This week, a memo was sent to every public school official in the country about prayer and religious activity in public schools which outlines the rights surrounding prayer in educational settings. This memo was necessary because recent Supreme Court decisions have been mischaracterized or misunderstood.
Here are a few highlights from the new guidance:
The Department of Education makes clear public school employees, including teachers and coaches, may not coerce students to pray, a longstanding constitutional principle upheld by the Supreme Court in Kennedy v. Bremerton.
The Department emphasized the need to protect the religious freedom of all public school students. Public schools must be open and inclusive for students of every religion and none. No student should be pressured by their coach or teacher to engage in any religious activities, including prayer.
The Department states public schools must treat religious and secular student organizations equally. If a school allows a Christian-based club, it must also permit a secular or Satan-club on the same basis.
The new guidance aims to provide clarity to public school officials, students, and guardians of children in public schools on the rights of students regarding prayer and religious freedom. If you have children in public schools or if you work in public schools, this document tells you what rights you and your students have and what school employees can and cannot do.
The Secular Coalition for America works everyday to maintain the separation of religion and government. It has never been more important. Please consider contributing to our efforts today.
