Why would the Supreme Court rule, as they did in Engel v. Vitale, that a public school district cannot compose a school prayer to begin the school day?
The Supreme Court ruled in Engel v. Vitale that a public school district cannot compose a school prayer to begin the school day because it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. This clause prohibits the government from establishing or promoting any specific religion. By composing a school prayer, the public school district would be endorsing and promoting a particular religious belief, which goes against the principle of religious freedom and neutrality in public schools. The Court's decision aimed to protect the separation of church and state and ensure that public schools remain inclusive and welcoming to students of all religious backgrounds or no religious affiliation.
