Which United States Supreme Court holding impacted the way that religious practice was approached in public schools?

Engel v. Vitale (1962) is significant because it established that state-sponsored prayers in public schools are unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. This ruling had a profound impact on how religion is approached in public educational settings, affirming the principle of separation of church and state. The Court held that even non-denominational prayers, if sponsored by the school, could not be used, thereby reinforcing the idea that public schools should remain neutral in matters of religion. This case set a precedent that prevents public schools from endorsing or facilitating religious observances, which has shaped policies and practices within educational institutions across the country.

In contrast, the other court cases do not address the relationship between religion and public education. Brown v. Board of Education focused on racial segregation in schools, Roe v. Wade tackled issues regarding reproductive rights, and McCulloch v. Maryland dealt with federalism and state versus federal power. Therefore, Engel v. Vitale is the definitive case that directly influenced the handling of religious practices within public schools.