Engel v. Vitale
1962

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New York’s law violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause

A New York law allowed a New Hyde Park school to open a school with a prayer.

“Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country. Amen.”
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Challenging the Prayer

Parents of ten students brought challenged this tradition in New York State Court.
They said the use of the official prayer in public schools violated the first amendment for their children and themselves.
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Petitioner’s Argument

Believed prayer was contrary to:

• Beliefs
• Religions
• Religious practices of both themselves and their children
• Constitutional Rights to each person

However the defendant stated that people must respect any specific established religion and tradition, and also that the prayer is voluntary.
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The Verdict

Justice Hugo black argued about the significance of separation of church and state. And which prayer should not be allowed in public government schools.
The court decided that government-directed prayer in public schools was an unconstitutional in violation of the Establishment clause ruled 6-1 by the Supreme Court.