Public school officials such as teachers, principals and others may not sponsor prayer, devotional Bible reading or other religious activities. They may not compel or pressure young people to take part in religious activities. The Supreme Court ruled correctly when it struck down mandatory school prayer in 1962 and ’63. However, this does not mean there can be no religion in schools. Public school students have the right to pray voluntarily in a non-disruptive fashion during the school day and read religious texts during free time. A short rule of thumb: Individual, voluntary religious activity by students is permitted; school-sponsored religious worship is not.