George W. Bush
I support voluntary, student-led prayer. I support the right of
students to participate in the free exercise of religion, a right
that is guaranteed by the Constitution. |
Al Gore
I support private prayer in school and school-related events,
so long as participation is truly voluntary. Faith is not something
that can be left at the schoolhouse door, and indeed the Constitution
does not attempt to impose such an unreasonable standard. The beauty
of the First Amendment is that it protects both our right to free
speech and our right not to have the religion of others imposed
upon us. Students and teachers should be free to pray in school
subject to commonsense rules, such as those that apply to all activities.
Religion can be expressed in a non-disruptive manner by students
and teachers who are not engaged in school activities or instruction,
and it is subject to the same rules of order that apply to other
student speech.
I believe that our schools should reflect and support the best
values that parents want to teach their children. As president,
I will help schools strengthen character education. I strongly believe
in the importance of character education in our schools. I pledge
to intensify civic and character education in our schools, making
it easier for parents to pass on values such as honesty, integrity,
hard work, and cooperation. I also recognize the role of faith-based
organizations in our public life and am committed to encouraging
private support for these vital institutions while working with
them to achieve common goals.
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Gore and Bush Comment on Prayer in Public Schools
