Prayer is returning to America’s classrooms. See how one student’s bold stand and a new White House initiative are helping turn the tide for religious freedom in schools.




The U.S. Department of Education will issue guidance to protect prayer in schools as part of a broader White House-led effort to safeguard religious liberty, President Trump said Monday. Trump made the announcement during an address at the Museum of the Bible to the Religious Liberty Commission, an advisory body established by the administration. "I'm pleased to announce this morning that the Department of Education will soon issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer in our public schools," Trump said to cheers.

Trump did not provide further details but told the story of Hannah Allen, a public school student in Texas, who was told she and her classmates could only pray in hidden or isolated places after they had prayed at lunch for an injured friend. First Liberty Institute took up her case, prompting the school to revise its policy.

Trump recognized Allen, who was in attendance. She "stood her ground," Trump said. "I just want to thank you for letting the light of your faith shine for all of those to see," he said. A strong nation requires religion and prayer, Trump said.

"For most of our country's history, the Bible was found in every classroom in the nation, yet in many schools today, students are instead indoctrinated with anti-religious propaganda, and some are even punished for their religious beliefs," he said.

Trump previewed next year's semiquincentennial celebration -- the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence -- and said prayer would be a central theme. The White House, he said, has "invited America's great faith communities to pray for our nation, for our people, and for peace in the world."

The prayer initiative will involve roughly 70 faith and church organizations and be titled "America Prays."

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner said the goal is for 1 million people to pray for America every week through the Fourth of July.

"Think about the miracles that would take place over the next year. Think about the transformation that you and I could witness in communities all across the land. Sons returning to their fathers, daughters returning to their mothers, families coming back together, health being restored, financial needs being met, mountains being moved," Turner told the audience. "... We're a nation that has always believed in the power of prayer."

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