Atheist Group: California Principal Should Not Pray With Students

Although this incident occurred last month and there doesn't seem to be any re-occurrence, it is still important to remain vigilant.  As FFRF's Andrew Seidel points out, "District staff should be reminded that they cannot plan, promote, or participate in any religious events at KHSD schools, not can they encourage students to put on such events. Any future religious events must be truly student-initiated and student-run."

A recent picture taken at South Bakersfield High School in California appears to show students gathered with Principal Connie Grumling to pray around a school flagpole.
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While students are allowed to pray in school, the inclusion of Grumling may be a legal problem, notes the Friendly Atheist.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a group that advocates for separation of church and state, stated in a letter to Dr. Bryon Schaefer, Kern High School District Superintendent, on Aug. 24 that this "serious constitutional concern" had been brought to the attention of FFRF by a complainant who was not identified.

From Lauren Foreman The Bakersfield Californian's "THE GRADE: To pray or not to pray at school"

Randy Bennett, president of the California Southern Baptist Convention, said during a public comment portion of the meeting that the South High principal did not violate the required separation of church and state outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Ed Boyer, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said an administrator praying with students right outside of school is “kind of in the muddy middle ground” territory.

Whether Grumling broke the law depends on how far removed from the campus she was, whether she was acting as principal at the time and whether she initiated the prayer. Boyer said he would want to delineate boundaries if he were a principal.

“I certainly would be concerned if I were the district’s counsel,” he added.

KHSD board president Chad Vegas, also founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Bakersfield, said during the meeting Tuesday he believes what employees do prior to school or after school is their business.

Atheist Group: California Principal Should Not Pray With Students