23 Dec Are Bibles Allowed In Public Schools?

With constant changes to laws regarding religious expression, many Christians believe that their religious freedom may be under attack in America. Much of this is simply due to misinformation on both sides of the issue. As Christians in America, it is now more important than ever to educate ourselves on the rights and freedoms we hold so dear. One such issue is the topic of whether or not Bibles, prayer, or other forms of religious expression are allowed in public schools.

Are Bibles allowed in public schools? Contrary to common misconception, Bibles are allowed in public schools. Both students and teachers can read their Bible or pray while on school property. Refusal of this freedom may violate the individual’s Constitutional rights of self-expression or religion. The Constitution does, however, prohibit any form of religious expression from being taught in a state-sponsored setting such as a public school.

This is not to say that you will not face backlash for exercising your religious freedoms while on public school property. Because of this, you must educate yourself and your children on their Constitutional rights and freedoms regarding this topic. 

In this post, we will uncover the root of a common misconception about Bibles in public schools. We will also answer some very important questions regarding Bibles, prayer, and religious expression on public school property. We hope that this post equips you to exercise your Constitutional rights while standing up for your religious beliefs.

Everything You Need to Know About Bibles in Public Schools

The topic of Bibles or religious expression in public places, including public schools, is something that has been under debate for decades. We may feel as if pressure is increasing in this area. However, much, if not all, of the legislation surrounding this topic, remains untouched. However, this is not to say that it will not change in the future.

As Christians in America, we have the blessing of a tremendous amount of religious freedom and liberty. We must educate ourselves on our rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. In doing so, we will equip ourselves to continue to defend our religious beliefs and freedoms well into the future.

Common Misconception About Bibles in Public Schools

As mentioned previously, much of the confusion regarding the topic of Bibles in public schools stems from one common misconception. Many individuals believe that Bibles are not legal in public schools due to a “separation of church and state”.  This phrase is often out of context. It is not actually a part of our Constitution but rather a convenient summary of the text.

In the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we read, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

This does not imply that religious expression is not legal on a state-sponsored property such as public schools. It simply states that the government is not able to prohibit the exercise of religion.

What About the Separation of Church and State?

Abington School District vs Schempp, a 1963 Supreme Court case on the matter, provides us with further clarification on the position of the government on this matter.

The Supreme Court of the United States stated, “We agree of course that the State may not establish a “religion of secularism” in the sense of affirmatively opposing or showing hostility to religion, thus ‘preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe.’ … In addition, it might well be said that one’s education is not complete without a study of comparative religion or the history of religion and its relationship to the advancement of civilization.” 

They continue, “It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities. Nothing we have said here indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected consistently with the First Amendment.”

So, what does this mean? From this statement, we find that the Bible is legal in public schools. It is even acceptable for a teacher to read from the Bible (or other religious text) to educate students from a literary or historical viewpoint. However, it is imperative that they present this information objectively without incentives one way or the other.

How Constitutional Rights Affect Bibles in Public Schools

The United States Constitution should be of utmost importance to Americans. This important document, along with the Amendments that followed, has formed and directed our country since its foundation. 

Our Constitutional rights include the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. These are both highly applicable when it comes to the topic of Bibles in public schools. Prohibiting students, teachers, or staff members from carrying or reading from the Bible while on school property would be violating their freedom of religion.

In the same way, prohibiting private prayer would violate both the freedom of religion and freedom of speech! Regardless of what misguided individuals may say on the matter, you have the right to exercise and display your religious freedoms. This does not change, even when you are on public school property. 

We find some helpful guidelines clearly stated by the U.S. Department of Education in this document titled Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. I encourage you to read this document for further clarification on how the U.S. Constitution protects prayer and other forms of religious expression within the public school system.

Can Public School Teachers Conduct Religious Activities?

So, can teachers conduct religious activities, whether Christian or otherwise, within their classroom? Examples of this would be morning devotionals, prayer, or other religious activities. We find a clear answer in the document mentioned above. 

In this document, the U.S. Department of Education states, “…teachers and other public school officials may not lead their classes in prayer, devotional readings from the Bible, or other religious activities. Nor may school officials attempt to persuade or compel students to participate in prayer or other religious activities. Such conduct is “attributable to the State” and thus violates the Establishment Clause.”

Although teachers can legally include required reading from the Bible or other religious text as a part of an assignment to which it is applicable, it must be done from a historic context without persuasion to one side or the other.

Can Students Read Their Bible in Public School?

Yes! Students are able to exercise their Constitutional rights to freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech. This includes time to pray or read their Bible in public school. There are, however, a few stipulations. 

The Department of Education states, “Although the Constitution forbids public school officials from directing or favoring prayer, students do not ‘shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate…‘”

Students may continue to exercise forms of religious expression as long as it does not disrupt or interfere with the required activities or class time. For example, a student (or teacher, for that matter) may read their Bible or pray during breaks between class periods or during lunchtime. However, they may not continue to do so when it is time to resume activities associated with the school day.

Can Public School Teachers Take a Student’s Bible Away?

Much like teachers can take a student’s phone away in some situations, they can also take a student’s Bible away. If the student is participating in an act of religious expression during their free time, a teacher may not take their Bible away.

However, if they are reading their Bible during a time where they are supposed to be engaging in a class, the teacher may take it away temporarily until that class is done. 

If the student was causing disruption or distraction to their classmates while reading their Bible, the teacher may remove the distraction temporarily. 

If a student has their Bible taken away by a teacher, they should not face any additional restrictions. A teacher can not intact further punishment, regardless of their individual religious beliefs. Like other personal items a teacher takes from students, they must return it by the end of the school day.

In Conclusion

The topic of Bibles in public schools is certainly becoming a dividing issue in our culture today. Although we may be experiencing greater division over this issue, it is not new to our generation. Since as early as the 1950s, Americans have sought clarification over this issue. Many times, confusion is a result of misunderstandings or misconceptions on both sides of the issue.

As Christians, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and our families on the Constitutional rights that protect our religious freedoms. This includes our freedom to read the Bible in public places. By doing so, we can continue to pursue a country that ensures equality, liberty, and justice for all.

You can learn more about what the Bible says about freedom here.