Richmond, VA – Yesterday, the ACLU of Virginia sent a letter to the Interim Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools seeking information about the prayer events to be held on Saturday, October 5 in forty-five Richmond Public School buildings. The letter also urged the Interim Superintendent to ensure that the events comply with the Constitution.
“The First Amendment prohibits the government, including schools, from endorsing religion, which includes the promotion of a religious event by a school or favoritism toward a religious group in the implementation of school policies,” said ACLU of Virginia Legal Director Rebecca Glenberg. “After reviewing the information available about Richmond Public School facilities use policies, we have a number of questions about how these policies were applied to the upcoming prayer events. We seek written assurances from the Interim Superintendent that any constitutional violations are corrected before Saturday.”
The issue arose when Richmond city council member Michelle Mosby announced her intention to organize prayer events at all Richmond public school buildings. Flyers distributed for the event list Councilwoman Mosby and Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille, including their government titles, as sponsors of the prayer events. In addition, a city employee on Councilwoman Mosby’s staff is listed as contact person, and a limited number of fliers for the event were printed in city council offices by city employees.
Regarding the Richmond Public School District’s compliance with the Constitution, there are three outstanding questions. First, if the rental fees were waived for this event because the sponsors are considered a “government agency” then the event is an unconstitutional sponsorship of prayer. In addition, if the sponsors were granted a discretionary waiver as the result of favoritism over nonreligious entities then the event is unconstitutional. Second, if the events received a special custodial fee exception then the events violate the Constitution. Third, if Richmond Public Schools promote the events then they are unconstitutional. This includes any special access to students, parents, or school materials or facilities beyond that granted to other outside organizations.
Click here to read a copy of the letter sent to Richmond Public Schools' Superintendent , Dr. Jonathan Lewis.
