Paper Profiles Principal Facing Contempt Charges Over Prayer

Today's Pensacola (FL) News Journal carries a fascinating lengthy profile of Frank Lay, long-time principal of Santa Rosa County (FL) Pace High School who faces criminal contempt charges for defying a temporary injunction against prayer and religious activity at his school. (See prior posting.) A large portrait of Gen Robert E. Lee hangs on the wall of Lay's office, and his credenza holds patriotic items and a Christian cross. Lay's 1800-student high school has been referred to by some over the years as "the Baptist Academy." School events featured prayers led by teachers, staff or outsiders they invited. Teachers offered Biblical interpretations, talked about their churches, gave assignments related to religion and encouraged students to attend religious clubs.