Free Essay

Debate Paper

In:

Submitted By kevinconniff1977
Words 2023
Pages 9
Debate Paper
XBCOM/275
February 8, 2015

Debate Paper Prayer in our schools today has almost died out completely. Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to god or an object of worship. As it states in the First Amendment that it protects the right to freedom of expression from government interference. Although prayer in school may focus on religion, violate the first amendment, and separation of church and state, there are some good things and bad that come out of prayer in schools. Being that we are an unequal society and everyone has his or her own personal opinion on prayer in our schools; it still remains one of the most controversial issues today. Just like the different types of religion. The decision to take prayer out of public schools has become one of the most controversial issues throughout our society. The argument of whether prayer should or should not be allowed is so misunderstood. When determining whether or not prayer should be allowed in public schools, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages. In our society, 90% of America’s children attend public schools. The children that attend public schools come from homes that use a fluctuation of religion or don’t practice religion at all. The good and bad of prayer in public schools are not a cut and dry issue. There are many outlets to this matter. The arguments of the people that want to banish prayer in the school system are not giving the children and possible their own children no chance at religion making it difficult for the children in which may end up turning them into non-religious people when they turn into adults. One of the advantages of having a freedom of religious beliefs is that it allows everyone to believe and practice whatever they want. School related problems such as alcoholism, drugs, and pregnancy has been issues that students deal with daily and they are always growing at an alarming rate. These social issues would benefit by not only addressing personal needs, but by nurturing and strengthening things that are learned from the student’s culture and their parents. By allowing a block of designated time for prayer in the schools, this would allow students the opportunity to observe their religious beliefs. When it comes to the disadvantages of prayer in public schools, those that are against it found religion imposes on separation of church and state. The concept of the separation of church and state is based on the establishment clause. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion”. The establishment clause was drawn-out to apply to the states through the fourteenth amendment and prohibits laws dealing with the establishment of religion. Those who were against it felt that schools were built on awareness for educational purpose not for the objective of religious practice. They also believed any form of religion that can practice within the school realm would not be able to honor all of the different practicing religions. Ethical, legal, and moral issues play a major role when it comes to prayer in public schools. From a legal perspective, the U.S. Supreme Court has been vigilant in forbidding public schools and other agencies of the government to interfere with America’s constitutional right to follow their own consciences. . During the decision to take prayer out of public schools, the U.S. Supreme Court maintained its neutrality. In 1962, the justice ruled that official prayer had no place in public education. The U.S. Supreme Court believes it is important that our public schools respect the beliefs of everyone and protect parental rights. This principle ensures that public schools are welcoming to all children and leaves the decision about religion where they belong, with the family. For this team it is a collective agreement that prayer in school is a good thing. This decision was not based on opinion only but more on situations that have led to our belief of prayer in church. We looked at the good as well as the bad side effects of prayer in school. At no point was it determined that prayer was a bad thing in our opinions. At the most the simple argument some might have is that they should not have to listen to prayer while it is going on. In return we found that if anyone is opposed to prayer in school. There should be at least a place for the person to go while prayer is going on if they should oppose it for any reason. For all who do not oppose prayer they should be allowed a certain amount of time to do it in a public setting without trouble from the school system. According to guidance on constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary and secondary schools, “Section 9524 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act "ESEA" of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left behind Act of 2001, requires the Secretary to issue guidance on constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary and secondary schools. In addition, Section 9524 requires that, as a condition of receiving ESEA funds, a local educational agency “LEA" must certify in writing to its State educational agency "SEA” that it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools as set forth in this guidance.” Now with that being said there are also cons to every argument so let’s look over a few things that were noticed by our team that many would say could be controversial. With everything positive that was found for prayer in school you have to know that there are negatives as well. So on the con side there is going to be the religious side of the house that believes prayer in school should not be allowed. Some would say that School is to learn and not for church. So what about those that appose prayer in schools? They do have a right to their opinion? But they do have their right to freedom of speech. According to Conflicts with School Schedules, “On the other hand, those who are against this move present that school prayers could result to intolerance and ostracism. In this context, prayer becomes coercive and does not honor all religious affiliation in the US. Prayer is an individualistic activity, but it can be done corporately if everyone is in agreement. However, not all faiths pray in the same way, with some faiths having the believer pray while sitting or standing, with eyes open or closed and at any time of the day. Other faiths dictate geographical directions the student must face, as well as the requirement of certain movements, chants or number of times for prayer each day” Religion in school can have its bad sides as well. So if a student wants to pray during class there is arguments that can cause serious issues. Let’s say you are from Iraqi where they pray on more than one occasion in a day. Are the schools going to allow for a student to stop what he is doing to pray multiple times in a day? Or are they only going to cater to certain religions. Are the school systems going to let those who have a Buddha’s background to chant for their prayers? Are the school systems going to let the Muslims bring in their prayer rugs and pray during class? So as you can see there are so many things that can go wrong as well as there are so many things that can go right with prayer in schools. You can almost refer this to the democrats versus republicans. You can satisfy some but not all. How do we know if prayer is pushed to be back in schools that it will change things in society as of today? I was always taught that you can say a prayer at any time you want to. Just say it in your head. Does it make it any less a prayer if you do not kneel? What about saying the prayer in your head. I’m sure who ever your higher power is that you are praying to will hear it none the less. What ever happen to having a moment of silence? Does that cross into the realm of stopping prayer all together as well or is the school system opposed to doing that for maybe 1 minute a day. I know every school has a set time for each class. But let’s really think about it. If you take 1 minute from each class or period in a day for high school you are only going to miss 7 minutes a day that is not used for learning. Is 7 minutes gone from a school day more than we are willing to give? As you can see religion can raise an unlimited amount of answerless questions. If children feel the need to express their religion, (just like constitution says they have freedom of speech) before class starts they should be able to. As long as they are being respectful about it and confronting other students about it. Parents should tell their kids if you want to pray during class do it. If you get in trouble then the parents can deal with the consequences. As long as it does not impede on anyone privacy or cause a disturbance during class I feel you should have that right. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Maybe that’s long gone with all the other right our US government is slowly taking away from us as Americans. Sometimes it happens so frequently and so fast that we don’t even notice our constitutional rights are slowly being seized from us by laws that our own government keeps changing. What will be the next big thing that the US lets happen to this country? There are no proven facts of rather prayer in schools with help or hinder society. Until there is more proof of any facts then it is all just gossip. Tell those who push so hard to have prayer in schools to prove that it is actually helping our youth. Then I will tell those who are pushing for it to stay out of schools to prove why it isn’t helping then and only then can these pro and cons actually be weigh as equal arguments. Provide proof then we can see about getting things changed. Some of the pros were sharing different religious beliefs. The freedom to your own religious beliefs and to protect parented rights. The cons fall back on the separation of church and state and a violation of the first amendment, with the weakest part of the argument being the separation of church and state. With all the states and so many contrasting beliefs can any really say one is better than the other? Who is to say one religion is the most correct bona fide religion? When it comes down to it, how do we know for sure which religion will give us peace when we move on from here? The Japanese could be the most authentic people than we ever knew and they don’t even have a religion to practice and worship. Nobody can say one is better or that the other one is worst. Everybody has their own choice and their own option on which one is best for them. It has grown to be a very profound prayer to live with on a daily basis. The argument that was more persuasive was the one about a person’s right to have their own religious beliefs. This is what has become of everyone’s part of freedom. In church verses state it all came down to the person belief and how it was betrayed in the cases. Every one of them was different but yet they were all kind of in the same general area of discussion. Even though every one of them was divergent but, they all really did seem like they were all on the same general area of scrutiny.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Group Analysis and Debate Paper University of Phoenix XBCOM/275 Fredrick Dean September 13, 2015 The topic of debate might sometimes hold a negative connotation, as people associate having a debate with having an intense argument with an individual or group or individuals. However having a debate can sometimes be very beneficial, as it is as a way to see a belief or idea from other’s perspectives. A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. It is an essential tool for developing and maintaining democracy and open societies. Having a debate can be done individually or in a group setting. When debating with a group, it can have both benefits and drawbacks. Having a debate enables individuals to think critically and analyze situations in order to formulate new ideas. The biggest difference between one-on-one debate and group debate is the number of different viewpoints. However, this is a benefit as well because you get the opportunity to see things from other vantage points. In this respect, an open mind is needed, as it makes it easier to receive information and evaluate it. Group debates are also an excellent way to exercise critical thinking skills, communication skills, and active listening. Group debates also allow the opportunity to exercise self-control, as you have to allow others the opportunity to express themselves without interruption, and also not to get angry...

Words: 360 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Debate Paper

...Associated with Group Debates Competitive debate in any format sharpens the ability to research and analyze problems, think and listen critically by expressing thoughts clearly and fluently. It increases your confidence and poise and provides constant intellectual stimulation. Group formatted debates gives each debater an active role, members are generally randomly placed into groups of only two or three on each team, resulting in four to six debaters for each topic. When debates are set up in a group manner, people who make up the audience benefit from critically evaluating of each debaters on content, involvement, language, and speech; fishbowl discussions used in the fields have demonstrated positive learning opportunities for participates. Some drawbacks to these type of debating style are more reserved people are less likely to actively participate and there a tendency for males to be more comfortable than females in adversarial environments and the preference of some cultural groups for harmony over open opposition. This debate format has been criticized for oversimplifying complex issues into dichotomous options. The use of groups debating in front of the rest of the class allows for diverse evaluation of the issues by the student listeners, who are observing the debaters. The people who are listening are less focused on winning or losing the debate and can offer critical evaluation of the arguments presented. During the discussions following the debate people may assess...

Words: 363 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Gun Control Team Debate Paper BCOM/275 May 7, 2013   Gun Control Gun control is a hot topic in the United States with primarily two sides of the conversation advocating for either more control of guns or more freedom of guns. The current laws on gun control or gun rights are disagreed upon by these individuals essentially based on the interpretation of such gun control laws. Firearms and the effects of gun rights has many cases that call for the strictest form of gun control. Some of these instances involve elementary school shootings, shootings at theaters, and even shootings on military installations by military members. The 2nd Amendment in the constitution has long been the proof of rights for citizens to bear arms to defend themselves from tyranny. Gun rights supporters say firearms should be unrestricted as it allows for self-defense in the case of another individual holding a weapon. Gun control supporters state that less regulation on gun control does not allow the government to provide its role of security because of it. The statistics for gun ownership in America are interesting to look at. For example, in the United States the average gun ownership per 100 people is 88.8, the highest of all other countries. Both sides of the argument have valid points, however it is important to dive deeper into each argument to analyze the logic and statistics involved in each argument. Major Gun Control Arguments Every day there are a countless instances that show that...

Words: 2155 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Debate Paper

...Learning Team Debate Paper Team C BCOM/275 September 23, 2013 Kai Hintze Learning Team Debate Paper Entering into an armed military conflict with another country has few positive results. Unfortunately the US intervening in the Syrian Civil War may be a necessary evil to preserve the long standing belief that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated in warfare. Many will argue that there is no proof the Syrian government was responsible for the chemical weapons attack near the capital city of Damascus. In contrast to these beliefs U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power said "The technical details of the U.N. report make clear that only the regime could have carried out this large scale chemical weapons attack,"(Fox News, 2013). Also according to intelligence analysis, conducted by several countries and the Human Rights Watch group (BBC News 2013), the evidence collected does point to the Syrian government using chemical weapons in the attacks near Damascus. The supposed use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government may not completely justify US intervention but it may help to deter further use of chemical weapons in future conflicts. Another benefit of US intervention in the Syrian Civil War would be increased credibility for the US and the Obama administration. Last year President Obama declared the use of chemical weapons a “red line” that would force him to rethink his “calculus” about that country’s conflict. (Crowley, 2013). If the US conducted...

Words: 518 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Debate Paper Jason Emilio Cotto/Jason France Business Communication and Critical Thinking- BCOM/275 2 December 2013 Instructor: Todd Breton We have all noticed that in all news outlets the rise in violence amongst the youth of the United States is out of control. Whenever a rise in violence happens people are always looking to blame someone. Back in the 1950’s Elvis and Rock and Roll were to blame. In the 1960’s and 1970’s it was blamed on drugs. Now in the age of information technology the new scapegoat is the video game entertainment industry. To understand video games and it’s inception we must first know the history of it’s predecessor, the computer. People believe that computers and the information age are a new concept, but most would be surprised that computers have been around since 1936. Mr. Konrad Zuse created the first programmable computer that would change the world forever in the decades to come. The real turning point for the history of computers came in 1983. The first home computer was created. This allowed people the flexibility to purchase and work from home. There were video game systems out in the 70’s, but it wasn’t till 1983 that it really hit mainstream. That was the year that Japan released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It took the entertainment value of computer games with the graphics of the computer to create the perfect combination. Arcade consoles were wildly popular and Nintendo realized a niche in being able to bring that entertainment...

Words: 1865 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Debate Paper MBA 5600 Human Resource Management Debate Paper Introductory Statement & Overview of position Controversial Position The controversial position of Scott’s organization, can tell employees what to do on the companies times and property and an employee’s own time. Traditional Position Companies have the right to tell employees what to do on company’s time and property, but at home employees can do what they want. As Jim Lowe “started each day with two doughnuts. Lunch was pair of Whoppers and fries. Nighttime involved a bag of chips, a couch, and a clicker”(Conlin, 2007). My Position My overview position is traditional position I believe that Organizational or Companies have the right tell employees what do on company’s time but at employees can do what they wish at the privacy of their own home. Argument # 1 Controversial Argument Corporations find new ways to save money, as Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. and other organization are banning employees from smoking, regardless of whether it is done on company or personal time. Scotts believes if you work of us you are band from certain things. Traditional Position Rebuttal Some times in a job you must bring your work home; organizations are saying you must bring their rules and regulation home. Many organizations such as Scotts is trying to control people personal life outside of work. Such organization that help employees outside of work as NWI(National Work Rights Institute), is protecting...

Words: 3441 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Women of Wal-Mart debate University of Phoenix Axia College Women of Wal-Mart Debate This article is about a sex discrimination against Wal-Mart. Three women started a lawsuit against Wal-Mart about not being paid as much as men for the same position. According to (Young, 2011) nearly 23 of women make up hourly wages and 13 of management are women but (Young, 2011) states that disparities, the complaint argued, can be explained only by bias, which this may be true but I do not believe that the women that work at Wal-Mart can make up a story like this. I never worked at Wal-Mart to know how they treat women or even if they get less pay then men but when you have about 120 women or more it might be true how Wal-Mart treats women. What I do not understand is how these women cannot be able to state their problem with Wal-Mart without bias or how Wal-mart cannot state their statement without bias. One thing I do agree with is that other companies are bought into the lawsuit by the equal employment opportunity commission. I do not think any company should get away with sex discrimination. Well not just sex discrimination any discrimination is bad for a company. I feel that no company should not discriminates against anyone whether if it race, religion or sex. According to (Young, 2011) 25 years ago men were the breadwinner and women were the homemaker but now times are different women are more likely to work and men are more likely to be more involved in childcare...

Words: 442 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Debate Paper

...now made our present day precedence in relation to laws and rules. We now have the freedom to vote, be active in our government, and have an opinion. Our opinions are shaped by the physical world around us and the controversy we have created as a people. However, The United States as an ideal presents a uniquely contradictory set of principles that is generally not openly discussed. This includes the tendency to accept government officials, network media personalities, other experts, or voices of authority concerning sensitive topics. The new topic of dispute for governmental and state legislature is to face the question of whether or not drug testing should be mandatory in order to receive welfare benefits.  This question represents a debate of both pro’s and con’s that everyday voting citizens have a voice to help when deciding the final...

Words: 1856 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Should United States Employer's be Held Accountable for Hiring Illegal Immigrants? Jason Ross, Kellie Carroll, Kimberly Fitzpatrick, Mallory Hildebrandt, & Sherry Baxter BCOM/275 September 26, 2011 Mr. Dion Williams Our borders are surrounded with security to help stop immigrants from flooding illegally into the United States of America. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation, it is hard to ignore the fact that we have to tighten up. As the world’s melting pot it is a dream for so many to come into our country. As read on the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This represents what America is all about, from our founding fathers, The Constitution clearly states, “We the People.” So many Americans feel it is time to shut our doors as the welcome has worn off. With crime rates, terrorism, and unemployment at all-time highs, it begs the question: Should U.S. employers be held accountable for hiring illegal immigrants? Yes, they should! Because of the U.S hiring illegal immigrants, there is less jobs for citizens. “Undocumented immigrants are gaining a larger share of the job market, and hold approximately 12 to 15 million jobs in the United States (Justich, Ng 2005). The documented number for immigrants is roughly over 900,000. The American unemployment rate is approximately 9%. The jobs that we have available are not just being outsourced to other nations, but also to non-citizens...

Words: 1985 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Allowing women the option to have an abortion up until twenty four weeks gestation. Leading the way for other states to change their laws governing abortions. This brought about a whole new issue as to whether abortion should be legal or not. Prior to Roe vs. Wade an abortion could not be performed unless the mother’s health was at great risk. After the case, many states reevaluated their laws so that mothers could have an abortion for various reasons including “just because they weren’t ready to settle down.” This decision divided the American people as to whether it was ethically and morally right for a woman to choose abortion. In 2013, there were over one million abortions performed in the United States. We will examine both sides of the debate from an ethical and moral stand point as well as the pros and cons. Pro-life activists state that abortion is morally wrong because it takes the life of an innocent child. The belief is that a life begins at the moment of conception. Therefore having an abortion is the same thing as murder. In society, it is not acceptable to allow one human...

Words: 1827 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...There are many different things that can be said about the subject of drug testing welfare recipients. It can be said that it is unfair, and that may be true. It can also be said that it is justifiable, and this may also be true. In this paper I plan to prove that drug testing welfare recipients is unconstitutional, as well as costly to the state administering such test. Testing the recipients can be considered stereotypical and very demeaning. While making sure welfare funds are used properly, it is too costly and does not provide adequate results. In the past ten years drug testing welfare recipients has been a huge issue. While most people are all for it, there are just as many people if not more that are against it. While it may be true that some welfare recipients are doing drugs, all of them are not. It can and will be proven that drug testing these recipients is a waste of time and tax payers’ money. Yes, yours and my hard earned tax dollars are and will be spent on welfare recipients who may or may not be using drugs. Think for a second…what else can my tax dollars be used for? Possible improving badly paved streets. How about fixing that run down playground with the overgrown grass? Maybe the money can even be used toward the remodeling the library of a school. While other states such as Florida have tried testing and been semi-successful other state such as New Hampshire attempt turned out differently. According to Concord Monitor (2013) “while the drug testing was...

Words: 636 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Demonstrative Communication Sandra Sharples BCOM/275 October 29, 2012 Dr. Betty Bernstein Demonstrative Communication Nonverbal and unwritten communication would be considered as Demonstrative Communication and this type of communication is seen not only in the workplace but also in homes and many other social situations. There are many errors that are involved with communication messages within the workplace and the sender of the messages, within the workplace should make sure that he or she limits the errors so that the message can be understood correctly by the receiver. The most common form of communication between co-workers and clients would be the use of emails and there may be sometimes that an honest mistake with the email can cause for a lack of understatement and confusion. When I was an insurance salesperson, I wrote an email to a client, reminding the client of their payment and I had written the email with the Caps Lock. This made the email as if I was yelling at the client about her payment when in reality I was trying to just be polite and remind her of the payment so that the payment would not be late. The next day, I received and email from my district manager stating that I needed to get in contact with her immediately because the client had contacted her about the email. After contacting the district manager and explaining to her the honest mistake that I had made, she informed me that I needed to email the client and explain to her that I was not...

Words: 763 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Debate Paper

...Should the U.S. take Military Action in Syria? Syria, a country in the Middle East bordering Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon has experienced growing civil unrest since 2011. The current government, led by Bashar al-Assad, has responded with violence and human rights abuses. In September 2013 the United Nations (UN) (United Nations, 2013) confirmed chemical weapons were used against civilians in Damascus on August 21st. These actions have generated an outcry for intervention. Arguments Some believe taking action is the only way to stop the killing of civilians and end human rights abuses perpetrated by the military. These pro-interventionists conclude Assad continues his oppressive actions because he doesn’t believe anyone will take action to stop him. Assaults on Syrian civilians are documented by many sources. Since January 2011 it is estimated over 100,000 citizens protesting against the Assad regime have been killed by military forces (Table, 2013). A report commissioned by the UN in June 2013 estimated 5,000 were killed each month since July 2012. This number exceeds reported deaths in Iraq at the height of war in 2007. In a September 2011 report many atrocities against children were documented. Over a hundred children were killed in connection with protests, many others reported injured. A group of children in the town of Dara’a, as young as 8, were taken into custody in connection with anti-government graffiti on a schoolhouse wall. These children...

Words: 2628 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Debate Paper

...Should the words 'under God' be removed from the pledge of allegiance? I. Introduction II. Ethical a. First argument i. The phrase “under God” was not introduced into the Pledge of Allegiance until the 1950’s when Americans were afraid of the communists taking over. Do we really want to continue a tradition founded in fear and discrimination? ii. Con b. Second argument iii. The term ‘under God’ can be viewed as exclusive of other beliefs. As a country founded on religious freedom, shouldn’t we respect all beliefs? Isn’t ‘one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all’ more appropriate and just as powerful? iv. Con III. Moral c. The pledge of allegiance reflects America’s civic culture. v. By saying "under god" is not referencing a certain religion or making this a religion statement. ii. By definition the word "God" has ties to religion. According to webster's dictionary God is "the perfect and all-powerful spirit or being that is worshipped especially by Christians, Jews, and Muslims as the one who created and rules the universe : a spirit or being that has great power, strength, knowledge, etc., and that can affect nature and the lives of people : one of various spirits or beings worshipped in some religions." d. The Pledge of allegiance is not mandatory vi. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and can opt to leave out...

Words: 316 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Debate Paper

...The US Armed Forces Is Less More, or is Bigger Better? Learning Team C (Nancy Anguiano, Toni Burket, Sherlen Drake, Stephen Eaton, and Martin Howard) University of Phoenix Business Communications 275 Jim Bingel, Instructor Throughout all of history, civilizations have relied on the power of the strength of their militaries to overcome invasions from enemies or to expand their territories. Over time, technological advancements have allowed for the reduction of the number of people that are part of the country’s military while maintaining the power required to win battles and wars. However, technology has been a two edged sword; the more advanced a civilization became, the more personnel were needed for support and maintenance. As maintenance requirements grew, more advanced weaponry with minimal maintenance was desired. In addition to the increased need for maintenance, the costs of research, development and weapons increased, as well as the total cost of ownership, too. Today, the argument of the acceptable size of the military isn’t about people, per se, battle success or power, but one that revolves around money. The argument for a larger or smaller military has been discussed over the last 10 years or so, but never as vocally as in 2012 during the presidential election, as well as with the fiscal cliff looming. Arguments of both sides of the subject have been given as to why the size of the military should be decreased, maintained, and increased...

Words: 1231 - Pages: 5