A Connecticut judge has granted a preliminary injunction enjoining the Enfield School District from holding commencement ceremonies in a church building as planned. After a personal visit to the Cathedral, the judge determined (read the opinion here) that the appearance of endorsement was compelling.
Based upon the experience of attending the 2010 graduation ceremonies at First Cathedral, a reasonable observer would conclude that Enfield Public Schools endorses religion, specifically the Christian faith. The strong impressions that were created during the court’s visit to First Cathedral provide support for that view.
…
By choosing to hold graduations at First Cathedral, Enfield Schools sends the message that it is closely linked with First Cathedral and its religious mission, that it favors the religious over the irreligious, and that it prefers Christians over those that subscribe to other faiths, or no faith at all.
School officials plan to appeal quickly to the 2nd Circuit. Graduation is set for June 23 and 24.
