Judge M. Case Rodgers ruled Thursday evening that Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman did not violate an order against praying in school.
 
The criminal contempt charges against the two school administrators was based on a suit filed last year by the American Civil Liberties Union against the school district in northwest Florida on behalf of two Pace students who alleged that “officials regularly promoted religion and led prayers at school events.

According to the Pensacola News Journal, Judge Rodgers said the prayer at a field house dedication during the school day that was held on church property was spontaneous, and there was seemingly no intent to violate the order.

The men could have faced up to six months in jail and $5,000 each in fines if the judge had ruled differently.

The PNJ added that hundreds of supporters gathered outside the federal courthouse exploded with cheers and applause when the verdict was announced.

Tags: Frank Lay, Judge M. Case Rodgers, Pace High School, praying in school, Robert Freeman, suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union

This entry was posted on September 18, 2009 at 1:37 pm and is filed under Religion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.