Texas —
FFRF’s advocacy for state/church separation helped to keep the Van Independent School District in line with the Constitution after the district promoted a religious worship event publicly.
A community member informed FFRF that the district promoted a religious worship service using official communication channels. Through the official Facebook account, the district promoted a “Community Prayer & Praise Service.” According to the district’s post, the worship service took place at Van Junior High School.
“Government religious speech promoting Christian viewpoints marginalizes and excludes non-Christian students, teachers, and parents whose religious beliefs are inconsistent with the message being promoted by the school staff,” FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Hirsh M. Joshi wrote to the district.
Thanks to FFRF’s letter, the district took quick action, responding the next day.
“We have deleted the mentioned Facebook posts and will refrain from promoting religious events using our official District channels, including social media, in the future,” Superintendent Don Dunn emailed back.
