No Prayer at Graduation Ceremony

prayer controversyA Jacksonville, Florida, news station reported on the controversy swirling at Exeter High School, where student votes over a prayer at graduation were contested by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

A special school board meeting was held to determine whether the prayer violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

Students interviewed in the news clip said that the majority should rule.

After that newscast, the school board decided to have a moment of silence instead of a prayer at graduation in order to avoid a lawsuit.

The board obtained legal advice and learned of the history of case law surrounding the issue. Ultimately, the board decided not to pursue the prayer to avoid expensive legal fees.

Parents and students who wanted the prayer felt that the majority should have its way and were disappointed by the school board's decision.

D. Beeksma

One of the growing crowd of American "nones" herself, Deborah is a prolific writer who finds religion, spirituality and the impact of belief (and non-belief) on culture inspiring, fascinating and at times, disturbing. She hosts the God Discussion show and handles the site's technical work. Her education and background is in business, ecommerce and law.

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