AMERICAN NOTES: Not a Prayer

Ever since the Supreme Court declared official prayers in public schools unconstitutional in 1962, some local governments have contrived to circumvent the decision; often they simply defied the law— at least until they were challenged.

For years a pro-prayer lobby tried to push through a constitutional amendment to provide for nondenominational or voluntary prayer in the schools. Last week the Connecticut general assembly passed a bill providing for an ultimate in nonsectarian spirituality: henceforth, the assembly decreed, all Connecticut public schools must set aside a moment each day for meditation.

Connecticut's Civil Liberties Union is likely to challenge the meditation period...

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