Watchdog group says Bolivar school district must stop prayer in all-staff meeting
By SPRINGFIELD NEWS-LEADER,
23 days ago
A nonprofit watchdog group committed to the separation of church and state recently notified Bolivar school officials that leading a prayer during a staff meeting is inappropriate.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (based in Madison, Wis.) sent the Polk County district a letter Sept. 11 to new superintendent Michael Methvin.
In it, attorney Hirsh Joshi said a concerned employee reported that a local pastor “recited a school-sponsored prayer over the audience using a loudspeaker” during the Aug. 13 all-staff assembly.
“Several staff members were uncomfortable but were too afraid to walk out or speak out against the prayer,” Joshi wrote. “School-sponsored prayer coerces attendees into worship. Over a captive audience, official prayer is even more inappropriate. We ask the district to investigate and cease hosting official, pre-planned prayers at its events.”
Michael Methvin
Methvin, who was Springfield’s executive director of middle and K-8 schools prior to taking the Bolivar job, confirmed the prayer was held during the Welcome Back Staff Celebration meeting a week before the first day of class.
He said the meeting covered a range of topics including construction updates, resources available to teachers and the welcoming of new employees. According to the district, it is the only staff meeting where a prayer is given.
“We recognize that prayer holds a deep meaning for people in the Bolivar community. For many years, we have started our all-staff welcome back celebration with a short, thoughtful message of inspiration and blessing intended to comfort and encourage our staff before the new school year,” Methvin said in a Tuesday statement. “At the same time, we are committed to upholding the principles of the Constitution and are working to ensure that all district activities, meetings, and messages meet the requirements of the law.”
According to the nonprofit watchdog, public schools may not show favoritism toward or coerce belief or participation in religion.
The group said giving only Christian teachers the benefit of prayer is unlawful preference for Christianity.
“The district violates the Constitution when it invites a minister to staff meetings to force them to pray,” says FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor, in a Monday news release. “School staff have the right to be free from their employers foisting their religion upon them.”
The News-Leader left a message seeking comment for Matt Bunn, senior pastor of the Heights Church but has not yet heard back. The nonprofit identified Bunn as the individual who led the prayer.
In the letter, the watchdog pointed out the district serves and employs a diverse population including Jews, Muslims, atheists and agnostics.
“The district must remain neutral with regard to religion in order to respect and protect the First Amendment rights of all staff,” Joshi wrote in the letter. “Unfortunately, Bolivar R-I fell short. The district must be aware that including religious worship in its events is unconstitutional.”
The national nonprofit has 40,000 members including 400 in Missouri.
as I understand the watchdog group, they do not want religion in any form in the schools. there are many students in the district that have religious dietary needs, per the watchdog group these kids should not be given alternative meals just beause of religious background. this would and could be considered catering to religion. what say you.
Rhonda White
23d ago
Why are people offended by God. They were all grown-up adults. if they didn't like it get up and walk out.
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