Washington: The U.S. government has issued fresh guidance reminding public schools that students and staff have the constitutional right to pray and express their faith while on school grounds. The directive, released on February 5, emphasizes that schools must neither mandate nor prohibit personal religious expression, reaffirming the principles of the First Amendment.
The guidance, authored by Josh Kleinfeld, Chief Counsel for the Department of Education’s Office of the Secretary, instructs schools to adopt a neutral stance toward religion. Educators are required to allow students and staff to practice their faith freely, provided such activities do not interfere with the rights of others or suggest school endorsement of a particular religion.
President Donald Trump announced the guidance ahead of its release during the 2026 National Prayer Breakfast, predicting it could face legal challenges but expressing confidence in the government’s position. “We’ll win it,” Trump said, underlining the administration’s commitment to religious liberty.
The guidance outlines scenarios reflecting longstanding Supreme Court precedents, ensuring schools accommodate religious expression. Students may pray quietly on their own, wear religious clothing or symbols such as crosses, headscarves, or yarmulkes, and participate in religious student organizations under the same rules that govern secular clubs.
While schools cannot sponsor or compel prayer at events, participants are allowed to pray voluntarily, provided they do not coerce others or speak on the school’s behalf. Teachers and staff are similarly protected, with the guidance affirming that employees retain their First Amendment rights on the job and may pray openly.
The document explicitly rejects the concept of a rigid “wall of separation” between church and state, instead advocating for neutrality and accommodation for all faiths without hostility. It frames this approach as consistent with U.S. history, tradition, and constitutional law, while signaling a proactive stance by the administration in defending religious freedom.
The release of the guidance coincides with President Trump’s announcement of “Rededicate 250,” a nationwide prayer event to be held on May 17 at the National Mall, inviting Americans to unite in thanksgiving and prayer. The move continues a series of efforts to promote religious observance, following the creation of the Religious Liberty Commission in May 2025 and Trump’s historic recognition of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in December 2025.
Through this guidance, the administration seeks to ensure that public schools respect students’ and staff members’ spiritual rights, balancing freedom of religious expression with the constitutional requirement for governmental neutrality in matters of faith.