[thecavemaster]

But, if the Moslem student asked that ALL students join him/her in placing the mat eastward and praying? Here is my guess: allowances would be made for the student to find a private place to practive the TRADITIONAL observance of his/her religion. Ever met a Christian who whips out a towel, orients toward Jerusalem and prays five times a day? Different tradition. The separation of church and state is important because there were Dark Ages, because there were Salem Witch Trials, because the Puritans drove Roger Williams into the wilderness. You don't think stuff like that could happen again, RR? Many of the bullets you cite are just like five times a day prayer, except they are part of the "grand tradition" of these institutions. It is somewhat at odds, as you say. However, the history of what happens when the State and the Church marry in power and repression is enough to go a little overboard toward freedom of conscience.