FFRF 'deletes' biblical emails at Georgia school (March 23, 2012)

The Freedom From Religion Foundation ended an inappropriate and unnecessary use of employee email at the Harris County School District in Hamilton, Ga. Prior to FFRF's involvement, the school district allowed "principals and other leadership staff to send emails to their subordinates which include bible passages." One particular email correspondence took place between an elementary school principal and the school district's director of transportation. Theses emails contained "relevant" bible passages intended to "guide" the recipient.

FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote to Superintendent Craig Dowling on March 15: "No public school employee may urge religious points of view on students, parents, or employees. This includes bible verses and talking about 'following God.'"

Dowling responded to FFRF's complaint on March 23: "The Harris County School District will take such action as it deems appropriate regarding such communications to fulfill its responsibilities to avoid the advancement of religion and remain neutral in respect thereto," added Dowling.