Without a Prayer: Religious Expression in Public Schools

This is the first thorough examination of school prayer to bring together the experiences of parents and children involved in contesting public school sanctioned prayer and Bible reading. Alley explores the way in which terms like non-preferentialism , toleration and accommodation are being used to hide violations of the First Amendment. Personal interviews were conducted with those involved in seven prominent cases. Each story challenges communities that impose the mores and cultural patterns of religion on their public schools. The result, in most instances, has been angry protests as well as threats against parents and children, and/or property damage. What’s wrong with a little prayer? One need only observe the ways in which religious fervour leads to the use of the Bible and prayer as a weapon against minorities.