20 POINTS + BRAINLIEST FREE

The state of New York recommended that public schools start the day with an official prayer written by the state school board. The prayer was not tied to a specific church, and students could choose to leave the classroom instead of participating. In Engel v. Vitale (1962), the US Supreme Court ruled that the official prayer was unconstitutional because it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Which statement best explains why the court focused on the Establishment Clause?

The court believed that having an official prayer represented government support of religion.
The court believed that asking students to say an official prayer violated free speech.
The court believed that allowing students not to participate violated the right to assemble.
The court believed that allowing students not to participate violated the right to petition.