Question

Think about how the court ruled in Engel v. Vitale. Based on that ruling, which of the following situations would be considered unconstitutional?

Check all of the boxes that apply.

A public school teacher writes a prayer on the blackboard and asks her class to say it.

A public school principal prays each morning on the school’s loudspeaker system.

A private school requires its teachers to lead students in prayer.

A state passes a law requiring all schoolchildren to pray.

Answer 1

Select A, B, and D.

- A (teacher writes a prayer on the board and asks the class to say it): Unconstitutional — public school officials may not compose or lead school prayers; this is state‑sponsored prayer prohibited by Engel v. Vitale.
- B (principal prays each morning on the loudspeaker): Unconstitutional — a public school official using school channels to lead prayer is government‑sponsored and coerces participation.
- C (private school requires teachers to lead students in prayer): Not covered by Engel — the Establishment Clause restricts government action; private religious schools may require religious observance (subject to other laws and funding conditions).
- D (state law requiring all schoolchildren to pray): Unconstitutional — a state law mandating prayer is state action and violates Engel and the Establishment Clause.