Illinois
FFRF spent over a year fighting to protect the First Amendment rights of students in Illinois’ Anna-Jonesboro CHSD 81.
In May 2023, FFRF learned from a district parent that the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School graduation ceremony included student-led prayers. Students delivered a pre-planned opening invocation and closing benediction at the graduation ceremony. Additionally, a Christian flag was apparently displayed on the stage that graduates walked across when receiving their diploma.
FFRF’s complainant stated that their children felt they had to hide the fact that they are atheists when participating in school-sponsored activities, such as the graduation. One of their children, in particular, feared they would be retaliated against when participating in school athletics programs if they are “outed” as an atheist in a public school district that has a custom and practice of openly promoting and favoring Christianity.
“It makes no difference how many students want prayer or wouldn’t be offended by prayer at their graduation ceremony; the courts have continually reaffirmed that the rights of minorities are nonetheless protected by the Constitution,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to the district.
FFRF wrote to the district several times over the course of 2023 and 2024 before finally receiving a response in September, wherein a representative of the district confirmed that the 2024 graduation program, “did not include an invocation or benediction. The only flag that was on the stage at the graduation ceremony was the American flag.”
