Principal Dan Noll, White Oak [Texas] High School, has stopped his practice of reciting bible verses during morning announcements over the intercom. The district originally doubled down after getting Staff Attorney Sam Grover's complaint letter March 5. White Oak ISD Superintendent Michael Gilbert wrote in a statement that he was fully aware of the practice and, "we have not (in my opinion) violated anyone's rights and/or subjected anyone to undue stress. Bible studies and scriptures are allowed in schools." Gilbert's recommended response to FFRF was, "I'm sorry you feel that way. I will be praying for you and your staff daily."
Gilbert reconsidered later, however, according to a March 15 article in the Longview News-Journal. It quoted Gilbert saying that Noll's "thought for the day" would remain a part of morning announcements but added: "It will consist of material intended to encourage students to consider positive choices in their daily life and plans for the future. The thought for the day will come from a variety of sources and will not include chapter and verse from Scripture."