Facts of the Case

In 1951, the New York State Board of Regents composed a non-denominational prayer to be recited voluntarily by students at the beginning of each school day. The prayer read: “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country.” A group of parents, including Steven Engel, challenged the constitutionality of the prayer, arguing that it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The case was brought against William Vitale, the president of the local school board.

Constitutional Question

Does the recitation of a non-denominational prayer in public schools violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?

Arguments

For Engel (the parents):

• The prayer, though non-denominational, constitutes an official endorsement of religion by the state, violating the Establishment Clause.
• The First Amendment prohibits government involvement in the establishment of religion, and requiring or encouraging prayer in public schools is an unconstitutional practice.
• The state’s involvement in composing and promoting the prayer breaches the separation of church and state.

For Vitale (the school board):

• The prayer is voluntary and non-denominational, designed to be inclusive and not to promote any specific religion.
• The prayer reflects the historical role of religion in American public life and is a patriotic exercise rather than a religious one.
• Participation in the prayer is not mandatory, and students are free to remain silent or not participate, thus protecting their rights.

The Decision

The Supreme Court, in a 6-1 decision, ruled in favor of Engel. Justice Hugo Black, writing for the majority, held that the recitation of the prayer in public schools violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Court emphasized that the government must remain neutral in matters of religion and should not compose official prayers for any group of Americans to recite as part of a religious program carried on by government. The decision underscored the principle that the government should not be involved in establishing or endorsing religious activities.

Significance

Engel v. Vitale is a landmark case that reinforced the separation of church and state and clarified the application of the Establishment Clause in public education. The ruling established that government-mandated prayer, even if non-denominational and voluntary, is unconstitutional in public schools. This decision set a precedent for subsequent cases involving religious activities in public institutions and played a crucial role in shaping the legal framework for religious freedom and government neutrality in the United States. Engel v. Vitale highlighted the importance of protecting individual religious rights and maintaining a clear boundary between government and religious practices.