Florida man wants to compel prayer in South Dakota schools

Ease of getting on ballot is step to take lawsuit to U.S. Supreme Court

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

A Florida man wants compelled prayer in American schools, and he hopes South Dakotans will go along with his plan.

Hillel Hellinger of North Miami Beach has submitted paperwork to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office for a proposed ballot measure in the 2026 election that would mandate public school teachers from kindergarten through grade 12 lead students in a recited prayer at the beginning of each day of class.

The proposal specifies the prayer: “Almighty God, who is aware of His creation, who keeps it going and judges it, please have mercy on us.” It includes an opt-out exemption.

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