Iowa State Daily Editorial Board: Tim Davis, Jamey Hansen, Tim Frerking, Chris Mende and Keesia Wirt.

The Congressional House continues its debate on the Constitutional amendment to permit organized prayer in public schools.

The proposed amendment still has a long way to go with an expected vote in the House in September and no plans this year to consider the topic in the Senate. Perhaps this extra time will calm down those now so fervently arguing for the change.

For years there has been debate about the role of prayer in public schools, including the “moment of silence.”

Leaders of the Christian Coalition and other organizations need to accept that the U.S. is and was created as a pluralistic society. Differing beliefs and sensibilities are rarely accommodated by a “one size fits all” approach. In this case, it is the limited fashion in which the religious leaders wish to have religion presented or exercised in a school setting.

The response to this was the moment of silence. This approach is also not as inclusive as it appears. It assumes that one’s religious beliefs can be expressed without spoken words, or by sitting still in a desk.

Cries of censorship and infringement of rights ring throughout this country every day. Perhaps the time set aside for schooling should be kept as just that. There are many hours outside of school where one’s religion can be practiced and displayed.

For that matter there are many ways of displaying one’s religion during school. From wearing a crucifix to wearing a particular outfit. This requires no constitutional amendment.

Organized prayer is too restrictive, and likewise with moments of silence. Their restrictiveness and non-inclusionary nature show there can be no constitutional amendment that can satisfy the need for freedom.