Abington School District v Schempp, 1963

      Schools all over Abington, Pennsylvania required their students to read ten portions of the bible at the beginning of each class day. The only way to be excused from the prayers, was to have a written note from the parents to the school. Children were also obligated to recite the Lord’s Prayer. Edward Schempp, a resident in Abington, thought this was a violation of his and is family’s first amendment rights; which state the freedom of religion. He sued the School District. The Supreme Court ruled for Schempp, guided by the precedent of Engel v. Vitale, saying that school sponsored praying violates the establishment clause.

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