What is the law on school prayer?

The law on school prayer in Texas at the 10th-grade level is clear: prayer in public schools is forbidden. This includes any religious or non-secular activity such as organized prayer, religious readings, or religious displays. The Supreme Court has consistently held that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits public schools from participating in any activity that could be considered religious. In addition, Texas law prohibits school officials, including teachers, administrators, and staff, from sponsoring, leading, instructing, or participating in any religious activities or prayers in the classroom or during school-sponsored events. Such activities could include student-initiated prayers, student religious clubs, and even shared moments of silence. However, Texas law does allow students to pray on their own during non-instructional times, such as before and after school and during lunch. Texas law also allows student-led prayers before athletic events, provided they are nonsectarian and non-proselytizing in nature. The school district must also make clear that it does not endorse or prohibit prayer. In summary, Texas law prohibits school prayer and religious activities at public schools; however, it allows individual student prayer during non-instructional times. Students are also allowed to lead prayers before athletic events, as long as these prayers are nonsectarian and non-proselytizing. School districts remain prohibited from endorsing or promoting prayer.

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What is the law on school prayer?

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