CITATION
Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962)
FACT
The Board of Regents for the State of New York authorized a short non-denominational prayer, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, to open the school day. Students were told the prayer was voluntary. Steven Engle, a Jewish student and his parents sued, alleging the law violated the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment. This clause states Congress cannot make any laws establishing religion.
ISSUE
Does the reading of a nondenominational prayer at the start of a school day in a public school violate the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment?
HOLDING
Yes, school-sponsored prayed does violate student’s First Amendment rights under the Establishment of
Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962)
FACT
The Board of Regents for the State of New York authorized a short non-denominational prayer, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, to open the school day. Students were told the prayer was voluntary. Steven Engle, a Jewish student and his parents sued, alleging the law violated the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment. This clause states Congress cannot make any laws establishing religion.
ISSUE
Does the reading of a nondenominational prayer at the start of a school day in a public school violate the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment?
HOLDING
Yes, school-sponsored prayed does violate student’s First Amendment rights under the Establishment of