Ann Donnelly

Ann Donnelly is an energy consultant and a former chair of the Clark County, Washington, Republican party. In the following viewpoint, Donnelly contends that voluntary student-led prayer should be allowed during school hours. Currently, student-led prayer is allowed before and after school hours, but vocal prayer during school hours has been banned by the U.S. Supreme Court. The author maintains that voluntary school-supported prayer— including prayers of the major non-Christian religions—would help to stem the tide of violence and illegal activity seen in many of the nation’s public schools.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Donnelly’s opinion, what can happen to students who have a spiritual void in their lives"

2. According to Donnelly, why would voluntary school prayer not create a...