Oklahoma
Two Oklahoma school districts will not allow outside religious presenters to hold school assemblies.
The Ada City Schools system and the Byng Public Schools system have both learned their lesson about allowing outside religious groups to proselytize students.
FFRF was informed that religious assemblies were given to students at middle and high schools in the districts. Students were told about the power of prayer and finding hope in God. Additionally, the presenters wore T-shirts promoting their religiously themed book, “#butGod: The Power of Hope When Catastrophe Crashes In,” and copies were even given away to students. Students were also invited to attend a religious revival event at Trinity Baptist Church later in the day.
“It is unconstitutional to take away instructional time from students to expose them to Christian preachers,” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote to the districts.
The districts both reached out to the law firm Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold for guidance, which, in turn, responded to FFRF’s letter. John E. Priddy wrote to FFRF: “The districts conducted an investigation into the issues raised in your previous letter. I have also discussed this matter with the superintendents.” Priddy wrote that both superintendents assured him that the administration understands their legal obligations to the Constitution moving forward.
