STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PRAYER

The school rebels were once the students found defiantly smoking in the bathrooms.

Last week, thousands of dissidents could be found quietly gathering around school flag poles nationwide before the start of classes.

Their rebellion was praying at school.

In Scott City, a group of 70 prayed for the school, teachers and fellow students. They prayed to curb drug use and violence among teen-agers.

These students in Scott City, Cape Girardeau and across the nation deserve commendation for standing up for their rights.

By banning religion in public schools, the courts have imposed a choice on students. Students cannot practice their religion during school hours. What happened to their rights?

"See You at the Pole" has become an annual student demonstration. The students feel it reinforces their right to pray on school property during non-school hours.

The Supreme Court's ban on officially sponsored worship in public schools has been in place more than three decades. In June 1992, the court strengthened that ban by prohibiting school-led prayer at graduation ceremonies.

It is ludicrous that prayer has been pushed out of our schools at every turn. Our children learn about many cultures and practices in class, but they must go outside to pray as a group.

Whether the courts like it or not, traditional values are making a comeback. Young rebels are taking a stand with prayer and common sense.