Appeal To 9th Circuit Filed In Challenge To Religion At Community College

An appeal was filed with the 9th Circuit yesterday in Westphal v. Wagner, a federal lawsuit against California's South Orange County Community College District challenging the practice at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo of opening various sorts of official events-- some of them mandatory for students-- with prayers. (See prior posting.) In May, a federal district court denied a preliminary injunction against invocations at this year's graduation ceremonies. (See prior posting.) Plainitiffs' brief (full text) before the 9th Circuit argues that the district court incorrectly denied an injunction. Opposing Views reports on the appeal.