Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 4, 1994 TAG: 9412050062
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Many Republicans, born-again Christians and members of the Christian Coalition support school prayer. But some school superintendents and school board members in Western Virginia don't see the need for such an amendment. And they worry that such a move might trigger new fights over the prayer issue - and put them in the middle.
"In Roanoke County, I don't think it's necessary," said Frank Thomas, chairman of the School Board. "We've never had any challenges on it and we haven't taken a stand on it."
The county prohibits school-sponsored prayers at graduation ceremonies and during the school day. The Supreme Court has ruled that such prayers are unconstitutional.
But some federal courts have ruled that student-initiated prayers are legal. Marty Robison, executive assistant for Roanoke County schools, said there have been some occasions when students have initiated prayers at graduation ceremonies. "We try to comply with federal and state laws on the issue," Robison said.
In Roanoke, city schools permit a moment of silence each school day, but it is not observed on a frequent basis in many schools.
Nelson Harris, a Baptist minister who is chairman of the city School Board, said he favors the moment of silence instead of a prescribed prayer.
"Prayer is so deeply personal that I would object to any rote or dictated language by the government or anyone else," Harris said.
"Some people in the religious community think that a moment of silence is not enough. I'm not opposed to instituting prayer, but personally I think that a moment of silence is a better approach when you have a diversified student population."
Clarence McClure, superintendent of Botetourt County schools, said he thinks a constitutional amendment on school prayer might cause legal problems for schools. Students and parents who oppose the prayers might take the School Board to court, he said.
"I think we are getting into trouble when we start dictating prayers and telling students that they have to listen," McClure said.
John Kent, superintendent of Bedford County schools, said some students meet before and after the regular school day for prayers and other religious activities, but none is allowed during regular hours.
The various court rulings have left the prayer issue in a mess and caused confusion over what is constitutional, said Ron Chaffin, chairman of the Pulaski County School Board.
"I'm not against school prayer, but it's uncertain what is permitted with the situation we have now." he said.
In Montgomery County, there are no prayers or moments of silence. There are some student Bible clubs, but teachers and administrators do not advocate or take any position on prayer and related issues, said Assistant Superintendent James Sellers.
Even though a constitutional amendment might be forthcoming, the state Board of Education will proceed with the drafting of guidelines on school prayer. Prior to the renewed discussion of a constitutional amendment, the General Assembly directed the board to establish the guidelines..
"We are obligated to move ahead on them," said James Jones, president of the board. He said the board will consider the guidelines at its January meeting before holding public hearings.
Regardless of Congress' action on a constitutional amendment," Jones said, "I think it is appropriate for us to do what the General Assembly asked us to do."
He said he thinks statewide guidelines are needed to help keep Virginia's 136 school systems from being sued over the prayer issue. He said it's likely that the state and some schools will be sued, but the guidelines might ensure that they comply with the constitution.
The American Civil Liberties Union has threatened to challenge the constitutionality of the guidelines if, in its opinion, they promote prayer in school.
In Franklin County, school administrators are awaiting the guidelines. "We have had no problems with the issue, because we have been trying to comply with federal and state laws," said Florella Johnson, assistant superintendent. But the guidelines should help clarify the issue, she said.
State Attorney General Jim Gilmore is helping to draft the prayer guidelines to help ensure they comply with U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
by CNB