Protections for student prayer emphasized

Protections for student prayer emphasized

The Trump administration announced several moves on Religious Freedom Day, Jan. 16, aimed at supporting the rights of religious people, including students who report their freedom to pray has been violated.

Nine federal agencies joined the president in affirming “constitutionally protected prayer” rules in place since 2003 when issued by then-President George W. Bush.

Students gathered in the Oval Office shared stories of being told to hide when they wanted to pray during noninstructional time and being bullied for discussing their observance of the Jewish Sabbath or wearing a Muslim hijab.

The administration also said it plans to remove some requirements on faith-based social service providers. (AP)