INDIANAPOLIS — Prayer in public Indiana schools would be welcomed under a bill that will have another hearing Tuesday in the House Committee on Education.
Students would be allowed to pray during class time under House Bill 1024. Schools could set policy for students who did not want to pray by either allowing them to leave the room or not participate.
The bill was authored by Rep. John Bartlett, D-Lawrence, who says schools would not be mandated to provide a prayer moment.
Bartlett says his measure would give students an opportunity to pray in school, but not mandate that they do so. He said he believes prayer would benefit the student body.
The bill also allows schools to establish a course studying world religions and affirms student rights to wear religious jewelry or clothing.
Supporters of the bill, including representatives of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, said school prayer would help alleviate societal problems such as suicide, family issues and the use by youth of alcohol and drugs.
Carmel High School senior Mary Zakrajsek of the Teens for Life Club testified in support of the bill. She said that school officials tore down an anti-abortion poster she had displayed. She needed to consult an attorney to resolve the matter, she said.
She said the House bill would allow her to show the administration that such statements were permitted.
Under questioning, she was asked what she would do if a fellow student prayed for Planned Parenthood. She said she would respond with a prayer of her own.
Also during testimony Monday, concerns arose about administering prayers and whether teachers would have to be trained in the procedure.
Bill opponents say students' freedom of religion is currently acknowledged in schools and that the status quo is adequate.