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The Becker amendment was introduced by Congressman Frank Becker in response to a controversial decision made by the Supreme Court that outlawed organized prayer and reading of the Bible in public schools. Initially, the Becker amendment had substantial congressional support and passage appeared likely. However, the proposal was stalled by a legislative committee and eventually died without a vote. Photograph article dated May 2, 1964 partially reads, "The proposed Becker amendment to the U.S. Constitution would destroy religious liberty in this country, says the dean of a Jewish seminary. Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk, Sherman Oaks, dean of the California branch of Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles, believes the controversial proposal is contrary to the First Amendment of the Constitution. If adopted, he said in an interview this week, the amendment 'would invest the state with power that, under the Constitution, it does not now have - the power to legislate on religious matters.' The Becker Amendment seeks to allow the reading and prayer in public schools. This would overturn a recent Supreme Court decision outlawing school religious observances." Photograph caption reads, "Seminary dean - Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk, historian and dean of the Los Angeles branch of Hebrew Union College, examines the head of a Greek figure over 4,000 years old."
Gottschalk, Alfred Becker, Frank John,--1899-1981 Hebrew Union College (Los Angeles, Calif.) Religion in the public schools--United States Religious leaders Religion Seminarians Rabbis Men Figurines Office furniture Books Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs
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