Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott raised an eyebrow this week when parents of a Medina Valley High School student asked for a court order to keep religion out of graduation ceremonies.
Abbott filed a brief asking the U.S. court of appeals to overturn a court order that eliminates religious language and actions from student speeches.
People have been up in arms over religion for centuries, but now, rather than resorting to blood and steel as has been customary and (sort of) effective in the past, schools and legislation have become the battlegrounds and weaponry of the American holy war.
How effective these relatively new tools are going to be has yet to be seen. But crusaders have sprouted on both sides.
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery complied with parents’ requests after a hearing on May 31 with an order requiring the school district to remove “invocation” and “benediction” from graduation programs, prohibit speakers from asking spectators to stand, join in prayer, bow their heads, or even use the word “prayer.”
Abbott fired back with a brief explaining that the order is a direct violation of the First Amendment and is therefore unconstitutional.
The First Amendment is quite clear on the issue: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or the free exercise thereof.” But lawmakers seem to be a bit confused, or maybe just a little biased themselves.
In any case, is it impossible for theists and atheists to come together to celebrate a milestone in the lives of their children because of a few words that only hold real meaning to people who subscribe the certain doctrines?
If mutual respect is impossible, break out the earplugs.
This article appears in June 3 • 2011.