FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2020

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-776-7700

Rabbi Jack Moline Warns of Reopening Issue of Prayer in Public Schools Following Trump Administration’s National Religious Freedom Day Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to President Trump’s announcement on Religious Freedom Day, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“President Trump’s announcement from the Oval Office sends a clear message that the Religious Right is driving White House policy on religious freedom. The issue of prayer in public schools is settled law. Students and educators may engage in protected personal practice during the school day, but cannot receive institutional sponsorship or facilitation. Today’s announcement is a gift to those seeking to tear down the longstanding wall of separation between religion and government. 

“As Christian nationalists pursue a legislative campaign entitled ‘Project Blitz’ at the state level, the Trump administration appears ready to back these policies with the full weight of the federal government. As fervent defenders of the Establishment Clause, we cannot stand by as the Religious Right continues to gain ground. The First Amendment protects the right of all Americans – people of faith and those of no faith – to believe as they choose without fear of government coercion. We will continue, in partnership with our allies, to resist efforts to distort religious freedom into a means to cause harm and stifle free expression.”

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Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.