"I was reminded that, as a public school, we simply cannot endorse a religious message in our activities. I completely understand the frustration of some of our parents, but we have an obligation to follow the law, even when we don't want to."For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Superintendent Andre Harrison's initial statement
Mississippi Town Sings Hymns, Defies Atheists' Anti-Christian Demands
Wisconsin School Bans Christmas Music, Citizens Revolt
'God Bless America' Banned from Florida School
Atheists Help Liberal Schools in Oregon Ban Christmas Choirs
-- From "Superintendent reverses decision - 'Amazing Grace' will be played at Alabama school's halftime show" by Ivana Hrynkiw, The Birmingham News 7/24/16
Dr. Andre' Harrison said that the same person who complained to the district about the song also called the school's central office twice to say that the playing of "Amazing Grace" was unconstitutional.
"After word of my decision circulated, I heard from many concerned parents, and frankly I still had reservations about my initial decision. I asked counsel to do further research on this issue and present me with options that would keep the district in legal compliance, but permit performance of one of the most iconic songs in the history of our nation," Harrison said today.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Amazing Grace' pulled from Alabama high school band's football halftime show after complaint" By Erin Edgemon, The Huntsville Times 7/24/16
In a statement to the Elmore & Autauga News, the Elmore County Board of Education said legal counsel recommended that the religious-themed song be pulled from the band's repertoire following the complaint.
"Our Constitution prohibits us from promoting religion in our educational programs and activities," the statement read, in part. "While we understand the feelings of the parents who are unhappy about the decision, we have an obligation to comply with the law."
Superintendent Dr. Andre' Harrison also issued this statement to the website: "When the question was raised about the band playing Amazing Grace, a song we all grew up singing, my first reaction was this is a message that should be celebrated. But, after consulting with legal counsel, I was reminded that, as a public school, we simply cannot endorse a religious message in our activities. I completely understand the frustration of some of our parents, but we have an obligation to follow the law, even when we don't want to."
School officials didn't say who issued the complaint, but it appeared to have come by telephone.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Atheists' Complaints Motivate Christmas Fervor Across America