Tennessee school stops state-church violations (May 29, 2018)

FFRF has put an end to multiple state-church violations within a Tennessee school district after receiving a couple of complaints regarding religious promotions.

A Stone Memorial High School student reported to FFRF that the school ā€” part of the Cumberland County School District in Crossville, Tenn. ā€” was displaying overt religious symbols and messages in its library. One display was a picture with a Latin cross, two bible verses and the word ā€œfaithā€ in all capital letters.

Additionally, a faculty member of the district reported to FFRF that in April, Director of Schools Janet Graham sponsored a luncheon that included school administration-led prayer with students, administrators and community members. FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to the school district on May 16 asking that it remove its religious endorsements and take steps to ensure that future district-sponsored events do not include prayer.

On May 29, FFRF was informed by the district that the religious displays have been removed from the library and that future events will include a moment of silence rather than prayer.

Freedom From Religion Foundation