The American Humanist Association’s (AHA) Appignani Humanist Legal Center, acting on behalf of an anonymous teacher, has given the Jackson (Mississippi) Public Schools two weeks to respond to its 8-page letter addressed to Superintendent Cedric Gray complaining that a school conference for teachers included speakers who prayed and quoted the Bible for the purpose of encouraging and motivating teachers. Unless the school assures the AHA that it will censor all speakers in the future, the AHA promises to sue for damages and attorneys’ fees.
For background, read Georgia Citizens & School Push Back AHA Humanists
Also read Mississippi Religious Liberty Law Infuriates Liberals as well as Prayer Returns to Mississippi Schools Under New Law
-- From "Jackson Public Schools responds to prayer complaint" by Therese Apel, The Clarion-Ledger 8/26/14
In an email sent Monday evening, JPS spokesman Sherwin Johnson stated, "The Jackson Public School District acknowledges receiving a letter from the Appignani Humanist Legal Center regarding events taking place during the 2014 Convocation ceremony. The JPS Legal Department is reviewing the letter and will respond appropriately as needed. The annual Convocation program is a celebratory event intended to invigorate employees with enthusiasm, pride, and excitement for the beginning of a new school year."
The AHA, whose catchphrase is "Good without a God," said they have a client who complained to them about a Christian pastor who [is a school electrician, who] gave a sermon and prayed at the teachers' meetings both in 2013 and 2014. The letter advised [Supt.] Gray that the initial pastor, the Rev. Roy Maine, was not the only one who spoke about Christian values.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher complains about religious content of mandatory JPS meeting" by Brad Conaway, WLBT-TV3 (Jackson, MS) 8/25/14
[The AHA letter] says,"on Aug. 12, 2014, the district hosted a compulsory assembly for public school teachers at the Mississippi Coliseum. A Christian reverend was invited to give the opening prayer at the event. His remarks included Christian prayers, a church-themed call and response with the audience and specific references to Scripture, such as Psalm 23 and 1 Corinthians 4:5. The three hour-long convocation also included other speakers, many of whom made references to Biblical passages, 'Lord' and 'God.'"
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools in response to the myriad atheist lawsuits against Christians and prayer nationwide.
