Public Schools Should Not Hold Events In Places of Worship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amber Gilchrest, ACLU of Texas, (512) 478-7300 X 103; [email protected]
AUSTIN – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas today sent a letter to the Lufkin Independent School District (Lufkin ISD) expressing concern about the constitutionality of the ISD’s practice of routinely holding school-sponsored events in religious venues, including National Honor Society inductions, senior breakfasts, special education graduations, and staff development sessions.
“Holding school events in churches raises the possibility that Lufkin ISD violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by appearing to impose a religious viewpoint on the students, guests, and staff in attendance,” said Lisa Graybill, Legal Director for the ACLU of Texas.
According to media reports last May the Lufkin High School graduation ceremony was held at the First United Methodist Church, at which the high school choir performed. The Rev. Valencia Scott also performed a song. After filing an open records request, the ACLU of Texas received information on other school events held at several churches in Lufkin.
“School events should take place in school venues,” said Graybill. “Churches are for worship.”
The ACLU of Texas’ letter, which was sent to Lufkin ISD’s Supt. Roy Knight and copied to legal counsel Wayne Haglund, advises the district on constitutional protections and the current status of the law. The letter further urges the district to put policies in place to protect the religious freedom and beliefs of students and staff by refraining from the use of religious venues for school events.
