Original PromptEngel v. Vitale (1962)
Establishment Clause prohibits state-sponsored prayer in public schools, even if the prayer is nondenominational and voluntary
Government neutrality toward religion means officials cannot compose or mandate religious exercises
Separation of church and state in education set precedent for removing religious activities from public institutions
This resource explores the landmark Supreme Court case Engel v. Vitale (1962), which determined that state-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Students will analyze the case's background, including the New York Board of Regents' authorization of a non-denominational prayer, and understand the ruling's significance in establishing government neutrality toward religion in public institutions. The resource includes vocabulary related to the case, comprehension checks, critical analysis questions, and reflective tasks to engage students in deep thinking about the implications of the ruling on the separation of church and state.