N.C.O.E. Faces Possible Lawsuit For Prayer at Graduation

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

The Supreme Court has been clear and consistent in its past rulings...

...organized prayer in public schools, whether everyday or at special events such as graduation, is unconstitutional.

Oh, like with the recent "fair share" challenge, there is always the possibility that the court could change it's position. But, the "fair share" case has the backing and funding of deep-pocket business interests. Does N.C.O.E. really want to be a test case for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly on their dime? Foolhardy...

My free legal advice:

Make arrangements for a separate service for graduates and families who want to pray to God, to offer thanks for a secular milestone in their children's lives. Those interested could apply for use of the school before or after the graduation service (under the school district's "facilities use" policy.

The court has been clear and consistent on this issue as well...

...if a school district allows use of its facilities for secular activities, it must allow use for sectarian activities also, or face charges of discrimination on the basis of religion, a violation of the First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of religion and assembly.

Or...

I'm sure the local church or churches would offer free use of their facilities.

While the assembled are praying, they can thank God for getting away with breaking the "law of the land" for so many years. Now that the proverbial "cat is out of the bag", it's time to cease and desist...