New DOE Guidance on Public School Prayer

New DOE Guidance on Public School Prayer Policy update required!

The U.S. Department of Education recently issued guidance on prayer and other religious expressions in public schools in response to a recent Supreme Court decision. In Kennedy vs. Bremerton, the Court held that a public school district could not prevent a football coach from praying on the football field after games.

The new guidance states that the U.S. Constitution allows school employees to engage in private prayer during the workday. Still, it warns that the employees may not “compel, coerce, persuade, or encourage students to join in the employee’s prayer or other religious activity.” The guidance also addresses other vital considerations that you must understand to avoid potential legal hazards.

• How does the First Amendment govern school employees’ rights to pray?
• What are the limitations of prayer on campus for students and employees?
• What issues relate to organized prayer groups and activities?
• Is prayer acceptable at assemblies and noncurricular events?
• May a graduation ceremony include prayer?
• How does religion impact dress codes, assignments, and absence tracking?