Georgia
FFRF worked to keep the Colquitt County School District in Moultrie secular after discovering that a teacher was using her position to preach Christianity.
A district parent reported that a teacher at Norman Park Elementary School was regularly leading students in prayer before meals. The parent stated that during a classroom party where parents and guardians were present, the teacher led students in a prayer saying “God is great, God is good, we thank him for our daily food. By his hand, we are fed. Thank him for our daily bread. Amen.”
Additionally, the same teacher gave her students a religious assignment that discussed Jesus Christ and Christianity in a devotional, sectarian manner. A worksheet of the parent’s child included a poem with multiple references to Jesus.
“The district must immediately investigate this situation and ensure that [the teacher] ceases leading students in prayer and teaching them religious lessons,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote.
FFRF received word from the district that the situation would be investigated after winter break. When FFRF followed up on the matter, Superintendent Dan Chappuis stated that the matter was “investigated . . . and it has been addressed.”
