Federal law allows prayer in public schools but only if led by students
Decades ago, Bible stories were read during class and prayers were recited before school began in Cherokee County. Today, while the Bible stories are left for the church and prayers are usually silent, religion is still prevalent in local public schools. . . .
“There is a greater variety [of religions] now than there ever has been in our schools,” Murphy High School Principal Jerry Brackett said.
Brackett also is a deacon at First Baptist Church of Murphy. He points to different religious actions in the school system, including the Lord’s Prayer at sporting events and organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Action Bible Club.
“I do not prohibit that if it’s student led,” Brackett said.
That coincides with the Equal Access Act of 1984 passed by Congress that forbids schools from discriminating against clubs or denying them equal access to school facilities based on religious beliefs. . . .
. . . Brackett sees a bigger responsibility in schools.
“As a Christian speaking, I still believe that as a Christian there’s a greater truth that we all have to live as much as we speak,” he said.
Walking the line
“It’s a fine line [between religion and teaching] we walk everyday as far as the school system goes,” Brackett added.
Jean Edwards, a fifth-grade teacher at Marble Elementary School, said she doesn’t find it difficult to walk the line since she works mostly with Christian students. Edwards’ husband, Rick, is pastor at First Baptist Church of Murphy. . . .
Many students participate in “See You at the Flagpole,” a national event that takes place annually in September on many school campuses and public buildings, Brackett said. Students gather at the schools’ flagpole, usually before class, to pray. . .
The Ten Commandments are still displayed in the Cherokee County Courthouse, which never came down when other areas were removing them.
Celebration of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday was approved by state legislatures, county commissioners and city council members. Many people will gather on the Courthouse steps at noon to pray for families, the government, the media, the military and schools. . .
The prevalence of religion in local schools has been questioned in the last several years. In November 2005, the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina sent a letter saying the Fellowship of Christian Athletes banner displayed in the Murphy Middle gymnasium should be taken down because it violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
The school board voted at its next board meeting to put the banner back up after consulting several Christian legal firms, which reaffirmed that Christian groups have the same access to school facilities as any other group.
“Part of an education is to be tolerant, understanding and inquisitive,” Brackett said.
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