When President Reagan introduced his school prayer amendment in 1982, it was accompanied by a fact sheet that said, '[S]tates and communities would be free to select prayers of their own choosing. They could choose prayers that have already been written, or they could compose their own prayers. If groups of people are to be permitted to pray, someone must have the power to determine the content of such prayers.'

Americans United scored a major win yesterday on behalf of students and families in Bossier Parish, La., after reaching a settlement agreement with the school board that protects all students regardless of their religious beliefs. The settlement, which includes policy changes approved by the school board last week, will end a more than year-long legal dispute over the promotion of Christianity in Bossier public schools.

“This historic settlement is a victory for all Bossier families, and will ensure that children feel welcome and included in their own schools, regardless of what religion they do or don’t practice at home,” said Rachel Laser, president & CEO of Americans United.