Wednesday, 9 May 2012

[news] Neb. school district continues tradition of graduation prayer despite pressure from ACLU

source:
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/ef7a6e45bf9b4b12bec99798f62316c8/NE--ACLU-Complaint-High-School/

COLUMBUS, Neb. — A small Nebraska school district will continue its tradition of a student-led prayer during graduation despite pressure from ACLU Nebraska to end the practice.
The parent committee that is organizing next Sunday's ceremony said Lakeview High School's graduating seniors have requested the prayer be included in the program.
"It's the kids' graduation, and they planned it that way," parent Iantha Miller told the Columbus Telegram (http://bit.ly/IBBejx).
The ACLU sent a letter to the 685-student school district in November complaining the prayers at graduation ceremonies violated students' First Amendment right to religious freedom.
The Columbus-based district's graduation ceremonies have been voluntary and parent-run since a 2001 ACLU complaint about the prayers.
The district has tried to remedy the latest complaint by further separating the graduation ceremony from the school. Policy changes make it clear that the district does not endorse any messages at private events and that participation in graduation is voluntary. Changes were also made to the district's rental policy, and the parent's committee will pay $150 to use the school gymnasium for graduation.
Lakeview School Board President Keith Runge told the newspaper he wasn't aware of any complaints about the upcoming ceremony.
"All I've heard is keep doing what you're doing," he said.
ACLU Nebraska legal director Amy Miller said the changes aren't enough.
ACLU Nebraska legal director Amy Miller said the changes aren't enough and that the group hopes the district will make the graduation prayer-free.
"The current artificial 'private' graduation simply doesn't pass the laugh test, and sadly leaves some students feeling excluded from their own graduation," she said.
The ACLU has suggested that the district remove any religious activity from the graduation and incorporate it in the baccalaureate, which is typically held the night before and is voluntary.

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