See You at the Pole (SYATP) is an annual meeting for public prayer held on the fourth Wednesday in September in which Christian students from elementary school to college level meet at the school flagpole to pray.
SYATP is a prayer rally where students meet before school to unite themselves in prayer on behalf of their generation for their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God.
SEE YOU AT THE POLE day is on Wednesday, September 27, at 7:00 a.m. local time.
History
The movement began in 1990 with ten students from Burleson, Texas. After attending a DiscipleNow weekend, the students were inspired by God. Compelled to pray, they drove to three different schools. Not knowing exactly what to do, they went to the school flagpoles and prayed for their friends, schools, and leaders.
Twenty-five years later, over 3 million students in all 50 U.S. states and in over 20 other countries have met at their school flagpole for prayer. Groups range in size from 1 brave soul to several hundred students, according to the Baptist Press.
Is it legal for prayer at public schools?
Some people believe that SYATP events at a public school are prohibited by the principle of separation of church and state. Furthermore, there is a widespread belief that public schools are religion-free zones, and that prayer is prohibited. This is not true. State imposed prayers are unconstitutional.
Because SYATP is held outside of school hours, outside of the school building, and not under their leadership, but rather is student-led, it is protected by 1st Amendment rights of freedom of religion and expression.
According to their website, SYATP states the event is a “student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event.” However, it now follows organizational leadership form, “See You at the Pole”, which determines the typical day, time, and even theme of each year’s SYATP event.
Resources to Plan an Event
If you want to organize an event at your school, then you should visit See You at the Pole. The site offers advice for planning and promoting a gathering at your school, plus resources you can download and order.
The site offers an entire section on your rights as a student to organize an SYATP event at your school. You should let your school administration know you will be organizing the event.
It is possible that the school administration may not be fully aware of your religious rights on campus, so you might need to refer them to the resources available on the website.
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-21 NLT
Will students from your school meet at the flag pole? Let us know! We’d like to publish your pictures and stories.
