When Graduation Speeches Become Graduation Prayers

Written by Don Byrd
By now, you have probably seen or heard about video of the ripped-up graduation speech in South Carolina. There, a student speaker defied the rules and led a prayer instead of giving his approved remarks. I’ve already reached my yearly quota of graduation prayer rants. But please indulge me just a couple of thoughts to sum up my reaction.

Graduation is a time of celebration for students, families, teachers and school officials. Every student who earns a diploma deserves that moment of recognition for the hard work it represents. At public school commencements, we gather as a community across economic, racial, ethnic and religious divides to celebrate together. Each student and family brings their own story of accomplishment leading to that ceremony. A great triumph of American public education is that regardless of a student’s background, a diploma is achievable.

Arkansas Grade School: If No Prayer, Then No Graduation

Written by Don Byrd
There are a few reasons to check out this piece at Take Part. First, it tells the story of a school district in Arkansas that decided to shut down 6th grade graduation ceremonies altogether, rather than end the practice of having prayer recited during the event. I am not sure 6th graders need graduation ceremonies, but is this a good reason to cancel?

Will the Supreme Court Take Action in Graduation Case?

Written by Don Byrd
One of the most contentious areas of church-state battle in recent years has been the use of churches as a venue for high school graduation ceremonies. In Elmbrook, Wisconsin, a federal appeals court last year ruled the trappings of the event represented “an unacceptable amount of religious endorsement and coercion.” The entire 7th Circuit heard the case and voted 7-3 to strike down the arrangement as unconstitutional.