No one should be pressured to pray

Religious freedom means that students and their families–not school officials–get to make their own decisions about religion. That’s why nearly 60 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that public schools may not sponsor prayer.

When school officials, teachers, and coaches sponsor prayers, students feel pressured to join in order to fit in with their classmates or get playing time. School-sponsored prayer makes students of other faiths and the nonreligious feel like outsiders. But equality means that people of all religions and none should feel welcome in their own public schools and at school events. .

Despite broad public agreement that school-sponsored prayer has no place in public education, extremist legal groups are seeking to overturn decades-old precedent that prohibits schools from meddling in the religious lives of students.

Religious freedom means that students and their families—not school officials or government officials — get to make their own decisions about religion.

What you need to know

No Pray to Play

The Bremerton School District protected its students’ religious freedom when it stopped a high school football coach from leading students in prayer. The coach sued. AU will argue the case before the Supreme Court.

Know Your Rights

Teachers, parents, and students all have rights that protect them from being pressured to pray or participate in other religious activities in public schools. Learn more in our “Know Your Rights” guides.

Students Can Pray

The Constitution is clear: students have the right to pray and they have the right not to be coerced into a religious practice of a faith they do not follow. As long as it is voluntary, student-led and not disruptive.

For Nex and all 2SLGBTQ+ students in Oklahoma

Remove Ryan Walters

We are calling for the Oklahoma Legislature to immediately remove Ryan Walters from his position as Oklahoma Superintendent and to begin an investigation into the Oklahoma Department of Education’s policies that have led to a the rampant harassment of 2SLGBTQ+ students.

Sign The Petition