WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education reaffirmed the right to prayer in public schools through new guidance. This directive ensures that students, teachers, and school officials can pray individually, provided they do not represent the school in these actions. The guidance, announced by President Donald Trump, was unveiled during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., emphasizing religious liberty in public education.
According to the guidance, public schools cannot sponsor prayer or coerce students to participate. This aligns with the 1962 U.S. Supreme Court decision that prohibits school-sponsored prayer. School officials must allow individuals within the school community to express their faith without infringing on others’ rights. The school cannot favor secular views over religious ones or one religious perspective over another.
Recent Supreme Court cases, such as Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, have influenced this guidance. The case involved a high school football coach’s right to pray on the field, which was deemed constitutionally protected. Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed support, stating the administration stands with those exercising their First Amendment rights in schools.
The Department of Education is legally required to periodically update guidance on prayer in schools. The president had previewed this guidance at a Religious Liberty Commission hearing in September 2025. This commission, established by Trump in May 2025, aims to safeguard America’s foundational principle of religious freedom.
For more information, access the guidance document and related press release.
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