Engel vs. Vitale (1947)
Background and Details
A public school in New York was authorized a short prayer before the school day by the Board of Regents. The prayer was, "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and beg Thy blessings upon us, our teachers, and our country." Many families became upset, because it went against their religious beliefs, and felt it was a violation of the Establishment of Religion Clause of the 1st Amendment.
Decision
6 votes for Engel, 1 vote against. Although a voluntary prayer, is still was deemed as unconstitutional. The prayer promoted a specific kind of religion against others.
Precedent
The Establishment of Religion Clause is used to forbid certain religious activites, that violates others rights.
A public school in New York was authorized a short prayer before the school day by the Board of Regents. The prayer was, "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and beg Thy blessings upon us, our teachers, and our country." Many families became upset, because it went against their religious beliefs, and felt it was a violation of the Establishment of Religion Clause of the 1st Amendment.
Decision
6 votes for Engel, 1 vote against. Although a voluntary prayer, is still was deemed as unconstitutional. The prayer promoted a specific kind of religion against others.
Precedent
The Establishment of Religion Clause is used to forbid certain religious activites, that violates others rights.