[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 134 (Thursday, September 22, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     BOYS AND GIRLS STATE PROGRAMS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, this summer young men and women across 
the country participated in the annual Girls and Boys State programs. 
These programs, sponsored by the American Legion, give students an 
opportunity to learn about our legislative process firsthand. At the 
city, county, and State levels, students learn about our electoral and 
judicial systems, law enforcement, political parties and platforms, and 
the media. By debating, holding mock elections, and meeting State 
officials, young people learn the fundamentals of citizenship and 
explore career options.
  Girls State and Boys State also provide students with an opportunity 
to meet other young people from around their home State. It is a time 
for youth to test their worth and to expand their horizons. My own 
experiences at Boys State 35 years ago provided me with valuable 
opportunities and many fond memories. The friendships I formed then 
continue to this day.
  I submit for the Record an editorial published in the Sacajawea 
Scroll, the South Dakota Girls State daily paper, dated June 2, 1993. 
The authors are two students from South Dakota who participated in the 
Journalism City program: Sonya Weiman of Canistota and Erin Dekzer of 
Estelline. Their editorial column demonstrates the critical thinking 
skills these programs try to develop in Girls State participants. I 
salute all of our youth who participated in these events and hope Girls 
and Boys State will continue for many years to come.
  There being no objection, the editorial was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

               [From the Sacajawea Scroll, June 2, 1993]

              Graduation Prayer vs. Constitutional Rights

                           (By Sonya Wieman)

       I'll make it plain and simple. I won't wimp around the 
     issue, like some people. I want prayers at graduation.
       We're all going to be seniors next year. I don't know about 
     you, but I want my final days as a senior to be perfect. I 
     want the gold honor cords around my neck and a signed 
     diploma. I also want to be able to give a prayer to thank 
     God.
       This separation of church and state thing that everyone is 
     griping about has gone far enough. Teachers make us learn 
     about evolution and other religions in class. Isn't 
     separation of church and state being violated? If we can't 
     openly pray in school, then why should we have to listen to 
     things that contradict what we know to be the truth?
       On every single piece of money it says ``In God We Trust'' 
     and most legislative groups start the session with prayer. 
     Why can't we have the same rights?
       If someone says we can't have prayer at graduation because 
     of a judicial ruling, I'll put up a fight.
       Whatever happened to the First Amendment's freedom of 
     religion? A lot of people came to this country because of 
     religious oppression. They wanted to raise their children 
     where they wouldn't be persecuted for what they believe.
       Even if my fellow graduates don't believe as I do, I 
     wouldn't mind if they prayed their own style at graduation. 
     If someone wanted to get down on the floor and bow to Mecca, 
     I wouldn't care. My Christian faith conflicts with these 
     beliefs, but I'm not so high and mighty that I won't sit 
     through their prayers.
       There is no easy answer to this problem. I wish that this 
     issue would not be decided by the fate of nine judges. It's 
     affecting teenagers. Why don't we get to decide? Have we no 
     say?
       I personally think if a majority of students want prayer at 
     graduation, they should have it. It should be up to the 
     students. After all, it will be ``our day'' and everything 
     should be as perfect as possible.
                                  ____


                           (By: Erin Delzer)

       Freedom of religion vs. separation of church and state: 
     They go hand in hand.
       From America's very beginning, the forefathers journey to 
     the Americas was to escape religious persecution in England. 
     The pilgrim ancestors built this country on the ideas later 
     established in the Constitution.
       Prayer in school has been an issue for a very long time. 
     Now the new controversy is whether or not to have prayer at 
     graduation. There should not be any question--prayer and 
     religion belongs in church and at home for the simple reason 
     that the U.S. is not only a Christian nation.
       The U.S. is as diverse in religion as it is in people. The 
     freedom of religion gives Americans the right to believe in 
     what they want to believe in. It does not, however, give 
     people the right to inflict their religious practices on 
     others.
       America has separation of church and state for this reason: 
     to preserve the precious right to practice any chosen 
     religion and not to intrude upon others' privacy. It is a 
     violation of the Constitution when someone is subjected to 
     pray unwillingly with someone of a different faith.
       At graduation ceremonies or in school there is nothing to 
     stop anyone who wants to take a moment to pray by themselves.
       I think the problem lies with the politicians and fanatical 
     groups who preach ``family values.'' What these people don't 
     realize is that they can pray in public, but there no need 
     for everyone to pray with them.
       In conclusion, I want to ask all of you a simple question. 
     When it comes time for graduation or other special event, 
     would you feel comfortable praying to a Muslim, Jewish, 
     Mormon, or Jehovah's Witness prayer?
       Remember this is the land where we have religious freedom--
     don't abuse it.

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