At its Sept. 23 meeting, The Kansas
USD 480 School Board (in Liberal Kansas) voted unanimously "to allow student led prayer at all USD 480 activities." (
Board minutes). Last Tuesday's
High Plains Leader & Times reported on the move:
Several years ago, LHS discontinued prayer at events like football games. Administration voiced concern that, by making the P.A. system available for prayers led by students or community members, the district could be perceived as sanctioning or even promoting traditional Christian prayer in violation of federal law. Student-led prayers then moved to the football field itself, prior to the game. However, no microphone or speaker system allowed spectators to hear such prayers. Monday night's vote will permit students to utilize the P.A. system for prayer before football games and all other special activities in the district.
Board president Delvin Kinser said that the LHS Christian fellowship group, StandOut, would participate in student-led prayer with enthusiasm.
[Thanks to Friendly Atheist blog via Scott Mange for the lead.]
