Florida School Board Settles Lawsuit Over Graduation Ceremonies At Church
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
A Florida public school board has agreed to stop conducting graduation ceremonies in overtly religious settings, settling a lawsuit filed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
The Brevard County School Board voted unanimously Oct. 25 to settle a federal lawsuit over the district’s use of Calvary Chapel in Melbourne for several high school graduation ceremonies.
Americans United sued the board earlier this year on behalf of some Brevard County parents who objected to use of the church sanctuary, which is dominated by a large cross.
In his Musgrove v. School Board of Brevard County decision, (U.S. District Judge Gregory A.) Presnell chastised school officials for using the church for the school ceremonies and agreed with Americans United’s assertions that neutral locations were the proper forums for such events.
http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=7621&security=1002&news_iv_ctrl=1241Graduation ceremonies will now be held outdoors at the school's football field or, if weather is bad, indoors at a nearby college auditorium.