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Engel v. Vitale | BRI’s Homework Help Series

Grade
7–12
Duration
6 min
Topics
Establishment Clause, Supreme Court
Published
Apr 18, 2022
Classroom setting with students and a teacher, featuring text about Engel v. Vitale and homework help resources.

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About this video

Is school-sponsored prayer in public schools a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment? In 1951, some New York schools began starting the day with a non-denominational prayer. This Homework Help video tells the story of the ensuing landmark Supreme Court case of Engel v. Vitale.

Engel v. Vitale Viewing Guide

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ActivityEngel v. Vitale Viewing Guide

Viewing guide to use with the Engel v. Vitale Homework Help video.

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Educator ResourceEngel v. Vitale Viewing Guide Answer Key

Answer key for the Engel v. Vitale viewing guide.

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E LessonEngel v. Vitale (1962)

The saying goes “as long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools.” And individual students can indeed pray for straight A’s or for other reasons. But the Supreme Court decision in Engel v. Vitale (1962) held that official recitation of prayers in public schools violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The ruling is hailed by some as a victory for religious freedom, while criticized by others as striking a blow to the nation’s religious traditions.

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VideoThe Establishment Clause | BRI’s Homework Help Series

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