Opinion of the Court
Student-Led, Student-Initiated Prayer at High School Football Games Violates the Constitution
This case was granted certiorari on November 15, 1999, and was affirmed on June 19, 2000. In a 6-to-3 decision, the Court held that student-led, student-initiated prayer at high school football games violates the constitutional clause prohibiting the government from establishing a national religion.The following is excerpted from the summary of the majority opinion written by Justice Stevens, as prepared by the Court Reporter of Decisions:The District’s policy permitting student-led, student-initiated prayer at football games violates the Establishment Clause. The Court’s analysis is guided by the principles endorsed in Lee v. Weisman (1992). There, in concluding that a prayer delivered…
