Engel+vs.+Vitale

Case Title: Engel vs. Vitale

Year: 1962 Case: This case determined if reciting a daily prayer in schools violates the First Amendment of the Constitution by establishing religion in an educational setting. The case started by a number of families in New York who complained that the voluntary prayer to “Almighty God” contradicted their religious beliefs.

Ruling: The Supreme Court ruled that reciting daily prayers in schools does in fact violate the First Amendment. They decided that it violated the Establishment Clause because it was sectarian and religious in purpose. The ruling stated that is unconstitutional for state officials to compose or conduct prayers in public schools that are required to be by the students.

Impact on schools: This case was significant for public schools because it brought attention to other issues related to religion. Public schools were (and still are) banned from conducting prayers and doing Bible readings. This case helped affirm the separation between church and state.

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