FFRF stops daily prayers in Mississippi elementary school (July 23, 2012)

The Tishomingo County School District will no longer allow teachers to lead students in prayer.

Teachers at Iuka Elementary School in Iuka, Miss., were leading their students in prayers before heading to lunch. The prayers became a normal daily routine, with teachers encouraging students to volunteer to lead the class in prayer before lunch.

FFRF staff attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote in a May 3, 2012, letter, “It is well settled that a public school teacher or administrator may not lead, direct or ask her students to engage in prayer.”

On July 23, Superintendent Ben McClung responded, stating “we understand that teachers cannot encourage students to pray or lead students in prayer.” He assured FFRF that these issues would be addressed with faculty and staff before the school year begins.