North Carolina —
The Columbus County Schools system in North Carolina addressed a concern related to a teacher leading students in prayer before lunch that allowed religious peers to bully a student who refused to participate.
A district parent reported that teachers at Old Dock Elementary and other schools within the district instructed students to practice reciting a prayer and then lead them in the prayer before lunch. FFRF’s complainant reported that they had been bullied by their peers for refraining from prayer during these times.
“In this case, the district is violating both students’ First Amendment rights, and parents’ rights to determine which religion, if any, to raise their children in,” FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote.
The district contacted the Phipps Law Firm after Ziegler’s letter. William W. Phipps wrote back, confirming that action had been taken. “The Columbus County Schools were unaware of any teachers at Old Dock, or any other school within the district, instructing the students to practice reciting a prayer, while being led by the teacher in the prayer before lunch,” Phipps wrote. “We are also unaware of any children being bullied by their peers for refraining from prayer during these times.” Phipps confirmed that the superintendent was directed by the board to address the situation at the principals’ meeting the next day, reviewing the law relating to the adherence of the Constitution and strict rules against school-hosted prayers.
