Public Schools and Prayer

Re “School Prayer Just a Start for Some Christian Activists,” Dec. 25:

There is subtle difference between allowing for religious freedom in public schools and using a school to promote religious ideals. I am an atheist. Like 95% of the other non-religious or non-affiliated people out there, I find nothing wrong or intimidating about students wearing “Jesus Saves” T-shirts or bringing Bibles to school for personal perusal. I do, however, feel it’s inappropriate to reserve school time for prayer. The law defines the separation of church and state to avoid bias toward any one sect. Designating time to pursue religious practices in a public school invades the rights of those who attend for the sole purpose of an education and do not share the same beliefs.

Most of the recent controversy emanates from Christian-related organizations. Although I’m sure their intentions are honorable, they fail to see that religious practices in a government facility can be offending to those with opposing creeds. I’m certain that if the cafeteria served only kosher products for the Jewish students, or if Islamic students took three or four breaks during the day for worship, Christian children would feel just as alienated.

If parents’ beliefs are so strong that they feel it is absolutely necessary that their child practice their dogma during school hours, then enroll the child in a school dedicated to their religious affiliation. Don’t expect public schools to accommodate.

Besides, there will always be prayer in school. Just ask any student right before a final exam.

JAMES DOW

Twentynine Palms

* Your article on religious activism and school prayer didn’t come close to revealing the scope of the problem. Religious bigotry hurts children. Some teachers are respectful of religion, but others are contemptuous. They seem to think that a child whispering a prayer over lunch is fair game for winks and nudges shared with colleagues or even other children.

Fundamentalist Christian children may be singled out during discussions of evolution, or the food choices of those following dietary laws may be remarked. None of this is lost on children. That’s why we should be guaranteed the right to express religious belief in school, not because we must, but because we may.

LENORE LEE

Glendale