After a settlement with the ACLU over charges of promoting religion in school, some officials at Santa Rosa County's (FL) Pace High continued to act contrary to the judge's order based on the agreement. When Principal Frank Lay asked his athletic director to bless the food prior to a school luncheon, he was reported to Santa Rosa County lawyers. Now both men are being prosecuted for criminal contempt of court by U.S. District Attorneys, facing a significant fine or even possibly jail time. On Sunday, Pensacola's News Journal ran a feature on Lay.
His school of more than 1,800 students was known by some as "the Baptist Academy." His teachers and staff delivered prayers, or invited students or outside leaders to lead prayers, during sporting events and other activities. Teachers offered Bible readings or biblical interpretations and talked about the churches they attend. They assigned religion- oriented work to students and encouraged them to attend religious clubs.
Their hearing before Judge Casey Rodgers is scheduled for September 17.
