Award Date
1-1-2005
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Political Science
First Committee Member
Jerry Simich
Number of Pages
108
Abstract
The problem of prayer in public schools is a divisive one that has grown out of a changing and confusing interpretation of the Establishment Clause with respect to school activities. Traditionally and historically, the United States has recognized public praise of God in a nonsectarian manner; however, this type of religious activity has been deemed unconstitutional in the school setting. The United States Supreme Court has also allowed public financial support of religion while vehemently disallowing symbolic religious support in public schools. The accomodationists on the Court has prevailed in most venues except school, where the separationists have managed to force a wedge between religious practice and the school setting. This varying interpretation of the Establishment Clause that is dependent on the time, place, and manner of government support has created a maze of incongruent, incomprehensible precedent that has denied the democratic nature of the American system of government. Some simple changes in policy toward state-endorsed religious activities could restore the American school to its traditional and democratic purpose in regards to religious education.
Keywords
Discussion; Interpretation; Legal; Policy; Prayer; Problem; Schools
Controlled Subject
Political science; School management and organization; Religion; Law
File Format
File Size
3543.04 KB
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Permissions
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Repository Citation
Brick, Staci Lynn, "The problem of prayer in school: A discussion of legal interpretation and policy" (2005). UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations. 1822.
http://dx.doi.org/10.25669/ntuc-191b
Rights
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