1. The prayer is not religious instruction, it is religious but is not used for teaching or training in religious beliefs.
2. Prayer is part of American Heritage, references to God and relgion is in all parts of American society.
3. The prayer is not required, it was meant for students to profess their faith.
4. The prayer is short and of non-improtance, and not needing the attention of the United States Supreme Court. It is harmless.
1. Since the states said that the prayer was a religious activity, then it violates the doctrine of seperation of church and state.
2. Even thought the prayer did not have to be said, it was not voluntary, with peer pressure, and expectations from teachers made it so that it is impossible for students to not participate and stay comfortable.
3. Teachers are public employees and use up taxpayers money, and therefore the times used up is using taxpayers money, and violates the separation doctine.
4. It is a christian prayer and can be offensive to non-christians and atheists.