The Freedom From Religion Foundation has convinced a Louisville middle school to hold future 8th grade graduation ceremonies at a secular location, after the Salvation Army hosted the most recent ceremony and refused to remove or cover religious iconography.
A concerned parent contacted FFRF after Meyzeek Middle School, part of Jefferson County Public Schools, held its 2013 graduation ceremony, called a promotion ceremony, in a facility owned by the Salvation Army. During the ceremony six Christian banners on the walls were visible to the majority of the graduating students and members of the audience. The slogans on the banners read, “Praise Jesus,” “Lift Up in the Name of Jesus,” “Jesus is Lord,” “King of Kings,” and “Lord of Lords.”
FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert contacted the school system in a June 6 letter, requesting future school sponsored events be held at a secular. She stated that the school should not allow religious organizations, such as the Salvation Army, to push their beliefs on a captive audience of students.
Meyzeek Middle School Principal Chris Burba responded in a June 26 letter that he understands parents’ concerns and the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state.
“I have already begun the process of identifying an alternative facility that will meet our needs for the promotion ceremony in 2014,” Burba concluded.