Engle+v+Vitale


 * __Engle v. Vitale__** June 25, 1962

A Case Involving: **__Religious Prayer in Schools__**


 * __Background__**: The Board of Regents in New York State authorized a short prayer at the beginning of each school day in the morning. The prayer was "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and beg Thy blessings upon us, our teachers, and our country."


 * __Main Issue Presented before the Court__**: Does the recitation of this morning prayer violate the First Amendment Freedom Of Religion Clause?

Reasoning: By providing this prayer to be performed at the beginning of the school-0day, New York is accepting this religion. The fact that the prayer is nondenominational does not save it from being unconstitutional.
 * Majority Decision ( **Six Supreme Court Justices agreeing)

Reasoning: New York has not interfered with anybody’s religious exercise. Denying students the right to perform this prayer at the beginning of the morning is to deny them the opportunity to share in the spiritual heritage of our nation.
 * Dissenting Opinion **: (One Justice opposing)

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