ADL Expresses Concern About Graduation Invocation at CA Public School

SAN FRANCISCO, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) voiced its concern that the separation of church and state, vital to ensuring religious freedom in our country, will be blurred if a proposed prayer is approved for the upcoming graduation at Exeter High School in Exeter, CA.

ADL wrote to Exeter High School stating its position after reading a local media report about the issue. The story detailed the school board's decision to reject a moment of silence for the graduation ceremony and to allow the students themselves to vote on whether to allow a prayer at graduation. ADL believes that permitting the prayer will violate the Establishment Clause and will give the appearance of inappropriate government endorsement of religion.

Nina Simone Grotch, ADL's Central Pacific Regional Interim Director explained, "A high school graduation is the culmination of a student's experience as part of the California public school system.  This celebration of student achievement should be as inclusive as possible. A prayer representing one particular faith would exclude students and families of other faiths or of no faith. The Exeter school board and administration should protect the rights of all of its students by maintaining the requirement of separation of church and state, a cornerstone of democracy and pluralism."

ADL is an ardent defender of the American ideal of religious freedom as conceived of by the framers of the Constitution.  We believe that religion flourishes in an environment where it is free from both government endorsement and coercion.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED