Doniphan Elementary: Teacher Led Prayer

The ACLU Missouri received a complaint from a parent with children attending Doniphan Elementary School. The family is not Christian and in previous discussions around Christmas events, has made clear to the children’s teachers that they do not want them exposed to an endorsement of Christianity.

Doniphan, Missouri

The ACLU Missouri received a complaint from a parent with children attending Doniphan Elementary School. The family is not Christian and in previous discussions around Christmas events, has made clear to the children’s teachers that they do not want them exposed to an endorsement of Christianity. On May 18 and 19, both students were required to attend all-school assemblies held to give attendance and academic awards. Both assemblies began with an administrator (the principal on May 18 and the vice-principal on May 19) calling upon a teacher to lead the students in prayer. Both teachers’ prayers were Christian.

The ACLU contacted the superintendent to attempt to resolve the matter amicably. He replied that their policies prohibit teacher-led prayer, so, even though he disagrees with the policies, he will tell administrators they must have a student come up to lead school prayers in the future. Given the superintendent’s lack of understanding of the constitutional issue and the district’s own policies, the ACLU contacted the school board to request that district employees be properly trained on church-state separation issues and issue an apology. The ACLU has received no response.