Last Spring, for the first time in 33 years, there was no graduation address at Pace High School in Milton.
Mary Allen, the senior class president and a devout Christian, was prepared to thank God for her success in front of teachers and school administrators, but the school wouldn't let her.
Such speech is a violation of state law and can carry a fine of $5,000 and up to six months in jail.
Allen told her story Monday to members of the House Civil Justice and Courts Poilicy Committee.
Minutes later the committee voted 10-3 to approve a bill prohibiting school administrators from curbing a student's right to deliver "inspriational messages."
The bill, co-sponsored by two Panhandle Republicans -- Reps. Brad Drake of DeFuniak Springs, and Greg Evers of Milton -- prohibits school boards, administrative personnel and instructional personnel from discouraging or inhibiting student delivery of inspirational messages at noncompulsory high school activities. It also prohibits those bodies from taking affirmative action that infringes or waives rights or freedom afforded by the First Amendment.
"I was ashamed and embarrassed, and my fellow students kept coming up to me and asking why I couldn't speak," Allen said.
As a result of the prohibition, many students taped crosses to their mortar boards and stood in an impromtu manner and recited the Lord's prayer.
The American Civil Liberties Union entered the fray in May of 2009 and a consent order was handed down. According to ACLU staff attorney Benjamin Stevenson, "It's very possible that school districts are going to face litigation as a result of the proposed House bill. They're going to be the ones faced with paying the bill for the litigation.
"It also prevents school districts from responding to alleged vioilations in a manner that they feel is appropriate. The state Legislature is trying to control what goes on at local school districts."
Supporters of the bill, including Pace High School football coach Mickey Lindsey, say it is necessary "because I had one player last year who took his teammates aside and said a prayer before games, and I had to turn my back and walk away from my players while that was going on."
According to Lindsey "that sends the wrong message when I'm trying to teach team unity."
Rep. Adam M. Fetterman, D-Port St. Lucie, an opponent of the bill argues that "in a predominant Christian society, I see this bill creating enormous problems throughout the state." There is great diversity of religious beliefs throughout the state and "in those communities there could be a great deal of discrimination against students who practice beliefs outside of the Christian faith."
The bill now moves to the House for a vote.
John Hinds can be reached at (850) 727-0859 or JHinds1949@aol.com.
