In two landmark decisions, Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Abington School District v. Schempp, it was judged that while students may  pray in public schools, the lawsuit disallowed schools from including prayer or listening to a scripture reading as a compulsory activity required of every student.

“Yesterday, in a bid to solidify his evangelical base, President Donald Trump took steps to give religious organizations easier access to federal programs and he reaffirmed students’ rights to pray in public schools.”

I did a lot of praying in public schools when I was a student. “Dear Lord, please help me do well on this test,” etc. I wonder if Trump’s move will make it possible for Muslim children to take prayer rugs to school and pray in class at the appointed times. Will readings from the Torah or Koran be a part of the school day?

LL