Details of students' prayer day debated

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The American Center for Law and Justice goes too far in saying it's OK for teachers to lead students in prayer, an opposing group says.

Founded by televangelist-politician Pat Robertson, the ACLJ this week sent a letter to nearly 1 million supporters outlining the rights of students -- as the organization sees them -- to pray and express their faith at school, The Washington Times reported Saturday.

The letter focuses on an annual event, to be held Sept. 26, called "See You at the Pole," where Christian students across the country gather at school flagpoles to pray, the Times reported.

In an e-mail to supporters, Jay Sekulow, the ACLJ's chief legal counsel, provided a link to the letter and encouraged sharing the bulletin with teachers and administrators who wish to participate.

Joe Conn, spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, accused Sekulow of "trying to push the legal boundaries" when it comes to the participation of teachers and administrators.

"I know of no court decision that says teachers can lead students in prayer, even if they're not on the clock," Conn said.