Question
Based on the precedent set in Engel v. Vitale, which of these is the most likely to be stopped by the Supreme Court?
Announcers call for a moment of silence for school violence victims at a football game.
A football coach offers to pray for an injured player privately on the sidelines of a school game.
A history of world religions class is offered as an elective at a public high school.
A cafeteria supervisor leads public school students in a prayer before serving lunch.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Based on the precedent set in Engel v. Vitale, the action most likely to be stopped by the Supreme Court is:
**A cafeteria supervisor leads public school students in a prayer before serving lunch.**
In Engel v. Vitale (1962), the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools, even if participation is voluntary. A cafeteria supervisor leading a prayer in a public school setting would likely be seen as a state endorsement of religion, which goes against the principles established in Engel v. Vitale.
The other scenarios—especially those involving private prayer ("A football coach offers to pray for an injured player privately on the sidelines") or educational contexts that do not involve official endorsements of religion (like a history of world religions class)—are less likely to be considered violations of the Establishment Clause.
**A cafeteria supervisor leads public school students in a prayer before serving lunch.**
In Engel v. Vitale (1962), the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools, even if participation is voluntary. A cafeteria supervisor leading a prayer in a public school setting would likely be seen as a state endorsement of religion, which goes against the principles established in Engel v. Vitale.
The other scenarios—especially those involving private prayer ("A football coach offers to pray for an injured player privately on the sidelines") or educational contexts that do not involve official endorsements of religion (like a history of world religions class)—are less likely to be considered violations of the Establishment Clause.