I don't feel it is right to pressure a child to do something that they have no say in. Religion is a way a life, it's their belief and by forcing them to go against their beliefs is un-American. America is supposed to be the land of freedom and also the land "choice." According to the United States Bill of Rights, the first amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." America is one of the few places in the world to obtain this privilege. What kind of country are we living in if they contradict their own constitution?
Speaking from my own experience, my family is Catholic, but unlike most Catholic traditions, my two sisters and I were not baptized at such a young age. We were not force to go to church unlike most of my catholic cousins and friends. I used to wonder why I wasn't put into that sort of position. Why wasn't I forced to read the bible? or go to Sunday school? Or even attend Catholic school like my cousins? It wasn't until I was in high school did I ask my parents their views. The reason why I wasn't forced was because they wanted me to have my own beliefs. Catholic schools force prayer and religion classes, my parents wanted me to be Catholic, but on my own terms. They felt that if I was forced to learn a religion, that I wouldn't be able to find myself. Your beliefs make you who you are and by forcing prayer it is almost as if they are manipulating you to become someone you aren't. I learned that just because you were religious, didn’t mean you were any better than people like me. Most of the people I knew, who were always attending Sunday school, were mostly hypocrites. I’m glad my parents trust me enough to make the right choice. It makes my decision more significant because it is something I strongly believe in.
Another reason why I feel that forcing school prayer is wrong is because it is unfair to those students who already have a strong religious background, and by pressuring them to perform prayer might make them go against their own religious beliefs. I read an article from the December issue of Seventeen Magazine, the article talks about a girl trying out for the football cheerleading squad at the University of Georgia. This young lady was determined on making the squad, but one of the other cheerleaders warned her that the coach was an proud Christian, and that it would be wise not to let her know that she was Jewish. Going against the girl's advice, she went a head and told the coach that she was indeed Jewish. The coach seemed understanding, but later on at the beginning of every game, the coach and the other cheerleaders would huddle together, bow their heads and recite the Lord's Prayer. Every time this would occur the girl had felt more and more awkward. She felt that she was betraying not only her religion or beliefs, but also herself. To make a long story short, the girl did not make the squad and was demoted, even though she received awards and trophies for her outstanding cheerleading performances. She felt she was being discriminated because of her religion and fought back. The teacher was fired and the girl was allowed back on the squad. If you want to read more about this article:
http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/08/25/412c13c8aa875?in_archive=1
If the need of prayer is so great, why not hold a silent prayer? That way, people of all religions can pray as they wish, and those who won't or can't pray, would not feel awkward, betrayed or left out. School is supposed to be a learning environment, I feel it's fine to learn about religion, just so it doesn't offend anyone and it is used as a learning experience. We go to school to not only to read, write and understand calculus, but also to learn about our environment and the world around us.
A