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 is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.