School Bans Graduation Prayer After Complaint
A Kentucky high school will no longer allow prayer during graduation ceremonies after the Freedom From Religion organization complained about three student-led prayers at the 2020 graduation ceremony.
Student Andrew Hamilton opened the Pikeville, Kentucky High School graduation this spring with a prayer. “We thank you for the experiences we have had at this distinguished school. Thank you for the teachers, coaches, and staff that have put in countless hours to provide us with resources necessary to become successful. My prayer today is that you will continue to walk with us in our future endeavors and watch over us as we continue this journey called life. In your son’s name, we pray, amen.”
The group said a concerned citizen contacted them to report the incidents. According to the organization, “This year’s Pikeville High School graduation program included three student-led prayers. These prayers were exclusively Christian in nature, including language such as “Oh Heavenly Father,” “In your son’s name, we pray” and thanks to the “Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” as well as warnings of the “war on the Christian faith.”
Prayers Banned From Graduation
The group contacted Pikeville Independent Schools Superintendent David Trimble to warn him of Supreme Court rulings against prayers at school-sponsored events. “School officials may not invite a student, teacher, faculty member or clergy to give any type of prayer, invocation, or benediction at a public high school graduation. It is well settled that schools may not include prayer in graduation ceremonies.”
The group said the Pikeville Independent School District’s attorney had emailed them back to let them know that he had advised the principal to not allow prayers at any future graduation. The Freedom From Religion Foundation said, “FFRF is delighted that its intervention on behalf of students’ right to freedom of conscience and our secular Constitution had such an instructional effect. We’re confident that Pikeville Independent Schools will keep its word and won’t subject its graduating class to prayers.”
School Bans Graduation Prayer After Complaint