Research Guides: Libertas Civics Camp 8.0: Prayer in Public Schools

Engel v. Vitale

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - The First Amendment to the United States Constitution

Objectives:

Students will learn about liberties and limitations of freedom of speech that are identified in landmark Supreme Court cases.
Students will learn about ________________ and how it relates to ________________ in school.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge by creating a group project and present at the Family and Community Civics Event.

Focus Questions:

What are the key principles and protections of freedom of speech in the United States Constitution?
Why is freedom of speech important in a community or country?
How does freedom of speech affect students in school?
How does freedom of speech connect to the right to express opinions and beliefs?
How does Engel v. Vitale define freedom of speech?
How does Engel v. Vitale protect freedom of speech?
How does Engel v. Vitale limit freedom of speech?

Student Resources: Engel v. Vitale

Engel v. Vitale
The New York State Board of Regents authorized a short, voluntary prayer for recitation at the start of each school day. A group of organizations joined forces in challenging the prayer, claiming that it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The New York Court of Appeals rejected their arguments
Engel v. Vitale: Supreme Court Cases That Changed America
Article Contents:
- Preventing an Official Religion
- Prayers in Public Schools
- Raising the Wall of Separation
- ignoring the Nation's Religious Heritage?
- Sidebar: Mildred Rosario

Engle V. Vitale by Susan Dudley Gold
Call Number: 344.73 GOL
ISBN: 0761419403
historical context of the Engel versus Vitale Supreme Court case, detailing the claims made by both sides as well as the outcome, and including excerpts from the Supreme Court justices' decisions.

Quick Read: First Amendment
Article Sections:
- The arguments for free speech
- Many types of speech
- No coverage for obscenity
- Not an absolute freedom
- Clear and present danger test
- A balancing act
- Commerce, jails, and schools
- Time, place, and manner restrictions
First Amendment Research Launch Page
Research Information using:
- Reference articles
- Case Overviews
- Primary Sources
- Biographies
- Academic Journals
- Magazines
- Newspapers
Freedom of Speech Research Launch Page
Research information using:
- Reference Articles
- Primary Sources
- Biographies
- Academic Journals
- Magazines

Teacher Resources: Engel v. Vitale

Students praying in a classroom in San Antonio, Texas, 1962. (Library of Congress)

Key Vocabulary:

Establishment Clause
Free Exercise Clause
Voluntary
Violated
Religion

Lesson Plans:

Freedom of Religion Actitviy
This activity explores the line between religion and public schools with a focus on the Supreme Court case Engelv. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962). Students will examine the question: Is school-sponsored prayer in public schools
unconstitutional?

Religion and the First Amendment Mini Lesson
The First Amendment includes a two-for-one deal in its protection of religious freedom. This mini-lesson explains the difference between the Establishment and the Free Exercise clauses.