Linda Bowles

According to syndicated columnist Linda Bowles, a vast majority of parents favor public prayers in school. She maintains that school prayer was allowed in past generations, posing no threat to America’s government. Children should be able to acknowledge in school the same divine power that is mentioned in almost all of the state constitutions, she asserts. Denying students the opportunity to participate in nonsectarian, voluntary prayers at schools and school events stigmatizes religion, Bowles contends.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What percentage of the American public favors school prayer, according to a poll cited by Bowles?
2. In the author’s opinion, what was the founders’ intention for the First Amendment?
3. What is Harry V. Jaffa’s idea to restore school prayer, according to Bowles?

A1996 Gallup poll confirms...