A legal group that defends religious liberty doesn't agree with the attorney for a Florida school district who says teachers who join in prayer at the campus flagpole before classes are violating the U.S. Constitution.
Pastor Ron Baker of Russell Baptist Church leads students, parents, and other community members in the 8:15 prayer every Monday morning at Clay Hill Elementary's flagpole. But when the Freedom From Religion Foundation heard about it, they called for it to be brought to an end, describing it as "grossly inappropriate" -- not to mention, unconstitutional -- for school officials and staffers to "actively participate in or promote student-run religious organizations and activities."
In response, Clay County schools attorney J. Bruce Bickner has said teacher participation in morning prayer after teachers have begun work is an endorsement of religion and Christianity -- an argument that Liberty Counsel attorney Steve Crampton does not endorse.
Steve Crampton (Liberty Counsel)"What a tragedy that we've come to where it's basically labeled a shameful thing to engage in prayer for your school and your educational activities," he laments.
The attorney argues that the Establishment Clause principle of the U.S. Constitution has been misinterpreted and misapplied. "Groups like Freedom From Religion Foundation delight in using it in excess to try to cleanse every mention, every hint of religion from the public square," he notes.
Crampton credits Bickner for pointing out that if prayers were moved up an hour, the sessions with teacher participation could continue without conflict. However, Pastor Baker fears such action would end the students' participation. –One News Now
Pastor Ron Baker of Russell Baptist Church leads students, parents, and other community members in the 8:15 prayer every Monday morning at Clay Hill Elementary's flagpole. But when the Freedom From Religion Foundation heard about it, they called for it to be brought to an end, describing it as "grossly inappropriate" -- not to mention, unconstitutional -- for school officials and staffers to "actively participate in or promote student-run religious organizations and activities."
In response, Clay County schools attorney J. Bruce Bickner has said teacher participation in morning prayer after teachers have begun work is an endorsement of religion and Christianity -- an argument that Liberty Counsel attorney Steve Crampton does not endorse.
Steve Crampton (Liberty Counsel)"What a tragedy that we've come to where it's basically labeled a shameful thing to engage in prayer for your school and your educational activities," he laments.
The attorney argues that the Establishment Clause principle of the U.S. Constitution has been misinterpreted and misapplied. "Groups like Freedom From Religion Foundation delight in using it in excess to try to cleanse every mention, every hint of religion from the public square," he notes.
Crampton credits Bickner for pointing out that if prayers were moved up an hour, the sessions with teacher participation could continue without conflict. However, Pastor Baker fears such action would end the students' participation. –One News Now
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