After including multiple prayers to Jesus at its 2016 graduation ceremony, Watford City High School in North Dakota has assured FFRF that the constitutional violation will not be repeated.
“High school graduations must be secular to protect the freedom of conscience of all students,” FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliot wrote to McKenzie County School District Superintendent Steven Holden. “It makes no difference how many students wouldn’t want prayer or wouldn’t be offended by prayer at their graduation ceremony. As the Supreme Court has said, ‘Fundamental rights may not be submitted to vote; they depend on the outcome of no elections.’ “
Holden responded on Aug. 2, explaining that, after consulting with the school board and school district attorney, the district would ensure prayer would not be part of future ceremonies or other school-sponsored events.
