House Approves School Prayer Bill

A measure approved by a House committee would reaffirm students’ right to pray aloud in Indiana schools. The measure from Democratic state Rep. John Bartlett was approved Tuesday on a 10-2 vote. Bartlett says his measure gives students an opportunity to pray in school, but not mandate it. Supporters it sends a powerful signal about students’ First Amendment right to express religious views. But opponents question the need. They say freedom of religion is already acknowledged in schools.