FFRF has convinced the Muskogee Public Schools system in Oklahoma to cancel a proposed “prayer walk” at a district middle school.
A district parent had informed FFRF that on Aug. 12, Muskogee 6th and 7th Grade Academy was planning to host a school-sponsored “prayer walk.” The academy distributed a flyer to parents promoting the event and inviting the community to gather at the school at 11 a.m. on that day for the prayer walk. An academy employee also sent parents an official message inviting them to “join us as we pray for our students, staff and families for what we know will be an amazing school year!”
FFRF insisted the district investigate the situation and ensure that the school refrain from organizing and promoting religious events going forward.
“Here, the academy is displaying blatant favoritism toward religion over nonreligion by organizing, promoting and encouraging student and family attendance at an on-campus prayer walk,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote.
Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall responded via email confirming that the district took corrective action.
“After reviewing the circumstances, the district has directed that the prayer walk be canceled immediately,” he wrote. “We have also directed that any social media posts promoting the event be removed and that the school communicate with parents regarding the cancellation.”
Mendenhall also verified that future school-sponsored activities would remain in compliance with the First Amendment and that the district would not organize or promote religious activities.
