Opportunities to exercise religious beliefs in school

In response to Kelly Brown (Nov. 17 letter), prayer is allowed in public schools. Students can pray at the flagpole and at any other location outside where students are allowed to gather. They may pray silently in the hallways or classroom outside of class hours. They may say grace before meals in the cafeteria. They may join with fellow student believers in forming Bible study clubs, if one or more secular, non-curriculum related clubs are also permitted at school.

They may study comparative religion in class, as long as the course meets constitutional requirements of inclusiveness and balance. They may wear religious clothing and religious jewelry. They may initiate religious conversation during free time with fellow students as long as they do not engage in harassment.

Students can carry Bibles on the school bus and while they're in school, and read Bibles on school property, even in the classroom, if it is not during actual instruction time. Hopefully, young people are reading their Bibles and also praying at home and at church.

Mary A. Klotzbach

Independence