Prayer in Public Schools There are many different philosophies regarding prayer in public schools. It seems to be a difficult question to decide. The opinions are broad and convoluted. This article will attempt to highlight the many ideas and opinions on the question of whether public school prayers should be allowed and to what extent. It will also show how our founders' idea of ​​a separate church and state was taken out of context and why prayer in school should be allowed, but not required. The first opinion to evaluate is that there should be absolutely no prayer of any kind. in public schools. Bob Croddy has been teaching for nearly 30 years and wrote an article for NEA Today opposing any kind of prayer in school, including the Moment of Silence (NEA). In his article he first cites the First Amendment to the Constitution; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Mr. Croddy goes on to say that a moment of silence is really just the beginning of the erosion of this First Amendment right (Croddy 45). He also says, “If we give government agents the right to require any religious practice of citizens – no matter how small – then we are on our way to eliminating religious freedom” (Croddy 45). In his article he very clearly expresses his opinion that it is not necessary to establish a specific time for a moment of silence or prayer. He suggests that there be plenty of time during the school day to meditate or pray if you choose to do so. Katha Pollitt wrote a very sarcastic and biting essay in The Nation in 1994. She says go ahead and institute prayer in school. Pollitt says, “Religion at this time has the romantic aura of forbidding… middle of paper… making no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Prayer at school is not mandatory, but according to our Charter of Rights it is a guaranteed right! Work cited Comeaux, Connie and Bob Croddy. “Should school start with a moment of silence?” NEA Today. September 15, 1995: 45.Hart and Teeter Research Company. "Public opinion online". June 30, 1999. http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/c1484cbce6cf77777a9b537&taggedDocs=Koppel, Nathan."New reading on school prayer." Texas lawyer. September 20, 1999: 1.Pollitt, Katha. “Subject to debate.” The nation. December 26, 1994: 788.Taylor, Stuart. "School prayer is a judicial minefield issue." The Connecticut Judicial Forum. 27 September 1999: Section. News.