Repeal Effort Falls Short in Louisiana

Efforts to repeal the Louisiana Science Education Act fell short again last week when the state’s Senate Education Committee voted 3-2 to table the proposal. The legislation has been in effect since 2008. It allows teachers to bring in materials from outside the curriculum that are critical of scientific theories like evolution.

It’s Graduation Time!

Written by Don Byrd
It’s May. That means flowers are blooming, the cover’s coming off the gas grill, and lawsuit threats are flying from all directions over commencement prayers. Am I the only one that gauges the time of year based on the church-state disputes in the air?

After complaints that last year’s graduation ceremonies contained too much inappropriate religious talk, Houston County schools in Georgia are going to try following the law this time around.

After Bible Distribution, Atheist Group Gets a Turn in Florida Schools

Written by Don Byrd
Fair is fair. After a Bible distribution group was allowed on high school campuses in Orange County Florida to make scripture available to high school students, officials realize they must provide the same opportunity to an atheist group. Freethinkers will make pamphlets available tomorrow entitled “What is Wrong with the Ten Commandments?” and “Ten Myths About Atheists.”

Lawsuit Alleges Students in MS School Forced to Attend Religious Assemblies

Written by Don Byrd
Via Raw Story, the American Humanist Association has filed suit against a Mississippi public high school claiming officials required students to attend blatantly proselytizing assemblies led by a local Baptist church. The lawsuit alleges disturbing details. Students were not made aware of the content of the assembly before they arrived. The assembly itself consisted of direct Christian proselytizing, encouraging students to follow Christ. Many students were of course uncomfortable, but none were allowed to leave or choose a study hall as an alternative.