Judge orders removal of school prayer mural (1 Viewer)

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Judge orders removal of school prayer mural

(Reuters) - A federal judge has ordered the immediate removal of a Christian prayer mural displayed in the auditorium of a Rhode Island high school, saying it violated a U.S. constitutional ban on state-sponsored prayer in public schools.

U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux rejected the school's claims that the message in the mural - which opens with "Our Heavenly Father" and closes with "Amen" - was purely secular.

"No amount of debate can make the School Prayer anything other than a prayer, and a Christian one at that," Lagueux wrote in a 40-page opinion.

Jessica Ahlquist, a student at Cranston High School West, sued the city of Cranston and its school committee in April 2011 to remove the banner, which dates back to 1963.

As an atheist, Ahlquist said the mural made her feel excluded and ostracized. She accused the school of violating the Establishment Clause of the Constitution's First Amendment, which prevents the government from promoting one religion over another.

School officials responded that the banner was a historical memento of the school's founding days and did not serve any religious purpose. The prayer encourages values of honesty, kindness, friendship and sportsmanship.

Joseph Cavanagh, a lawyer for the city and school officials, said they were analyzing the opinion to determine whether to file an appeal.

"We were hoping this banner would be viewed as a neutral, secular, historic display," Cavanagh said. The mural, donated by the class of 1963, had evolved historically in the community and never had a religious purpose, he said.

The court relied on a 2005 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court called for particular care in separating church and state in public schools. In that case, the high court ruled that a monument displaying the Ten Commandments was acceptable on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.

But the court added that the same monument on the grounds of a public school would be impermissible, "given the impressionability of the young."

Lynette Labinger, a volunteer lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union who represented Ahlquist, praised the judge for recognizing that Supreme Court precedent.

"Placement of a public government display of a religious message in a place with impressionable young students has not been upheld," she said.

(Reporting by Terry Baynes; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Eric Walsh)

 

[NCCommish]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School. Free speech rights vs protection of personal liberties vs freedom of religion - it is the same arguments again and again and again.I remember the case of the Christian Cross in a national park awhile back, but don't recall the entire ruling.

 

[LittleLarry]

For someone with the username Flying Spaghetti Monster, you sure do post lots of religious topics.

Feeling conflicted?

 

[Mister CIA]

As an atheist, Ahlquist said the mural made her feel excluded and ostracized.

Problem solved!

 

[NCCommish]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School. Free speech rights vs protection of personal liberties vs freedom of religion - it is the same arguments again and again and again.I remember the case of the Christian Cross in a national park awhile back, but don't recall the entire ruling.

I don't really think a swastika makes a good comparison to a prayer, do you? Further this was donated by the founding class, not by an outsider, it was not financed by the school and as far as I can tell the school in no way influenced the donation. IMO that makes this not an establishment issue. And I say that as an avowed atheist.

 

[Wrigley]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?

Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

 

[Jaysus]

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School..

Sure, it's ok if you want too... good luck finding someone to accept your donation though.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School. Free speech rights vs protection of personal liberties vs freedom of religion - it is the same arguments again and again and again.I remember the case of the Christian Cross in a national park awhile back, but don't recall the entire ruling.

I don't really think a swastika makes a good comparison to a prayer, do you? Further this was donated by the founding class, not by an outsider, it was not financed by the school and as far as I can tell the school in no way influenced the donation. IMO that makes this not an establishment issue. And I say that as an avowed atheist.

I was being hyperbolic with the swastika line. I do not think it matters if it was donated or not. It can not be displayed on state owned property (aka a school) because that would be seen as a endorsement which is prohibited. This the way the judge ruled it - I am sure the 40 page ruling is a nail biter and a cliff hanger that Stephen Spielberg has nothing on.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

X standard. It's not the paint and materials it is the 'ad space' that is probably worth about 25-200k a year if they were to offer the same 'space' to subway or coca-cola.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School..

Sure, it's ok if you want too... good luck finding someone to accept your donation though.

And if you don't except my donation and you have a precedence for accepting other christian donations then I would sue and win.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School. Free speech rights vs protection of personal liberties vs freedom of religion - it is the same arguments again and again and again.I remember the case of the Christian Cross in a national park awhile back, but don't recall the entire ruling.

FSM this is a horrible analogy. 1 of 10 worse than even a "ditch pig' analogy.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School. Free speech rights vs protection of personal liberties vs freedom of religion - it is the same arguments again and again and again.I remember the case of the Christian Cross in a national park awhile back, but don't recall the entire ruling.

FSM this is a horrible analogy. 1 of 10 worse than even a "ditch pig' analogy.

Like I said in my other post I was being hyperbolic with the swastika. Read my other post to NCC.

 

[Christo]

I'd be curious to see the opinion. I wonder if it discussed how the school used the mural. Is it just there or is it used as part of the curriculum?

I honestly doubt more than 5% of the students have ever read the thing.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School..

Sure, it's ok if you want too... good luck finding someone to accept your donation though.

And if you don't except my donation and you have a precedence for accepting other christian donations then I would sue and win.

how did you get it right just 9 words later?

 

[NCCommish]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

X standard. It's not the paint and materials it is the 'ad space' that is probably worth about 25-200k a year if they were to offer the same 'space' to subway or coca-cola.

Not sure what this has to do with anything. Establishment is about the state putting an effort into the promotion of religion. Just as students can pray but teachers can't lead prayers students should be allowed displays that administrators would be prohibited from making.

 

[Reg Lllama of Brixton]

I think I've reached a point in my life where it's isn't even worth the time trying to explain to people why things like this ruling are correct.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School..

Sure, it's ok if you want too... good luck finding someone to accept your donation though.

This is precisley why it is unconstitutional. Because if FSM, a satanist, a muslim, or a buddhist where to 'offer such a donation' it would not be accepted. Ergo accepting this while denying all other religions violates the Establishment clause.

If it were instead say a Cafeteria where they offered 30 similar wall spaces to any religion/group that wanted them(and would come in, paint it donate the materials etc) then It would be allowable IMHO. But that is not the case here.

 

[Warrior]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

X standard. It's not the paint and materials it is the 'ad space' that is probably worth about 25-200k a year if they were to offer the same 'space' to subway or coca-cola.

Not sure what this has to do with anything. Establishment is about the state putting an effort into the promotion of religion. Just as students can pray but teachers can't lead prayers students should be allowed displays that administrators would be prohibited from making.

It was a banner displayed on school property. Doesn't matter who created it, who donated it, etc. Students can pray, but students can't write out a prayer and ask the school to display (read: endorse) the prayer in a public area of that school. Are you really not able to see the difference?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

X standard. It's not the paint and materials it is the 'ad space' that is probably worth about 25-200k a year if they were to offer the same 'space' to subway or coca-cola.

Not sure what this has to do with anything.

Has anything Hipple ever posted had anything to do with anything in any discernable way?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

I think I've reached a point in my life where it's isn't even worth the time trying to explain to people why things like this ruling are correct.

:firstworldathiestproblems:

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Such is the pain of the trailblazer & the martyr. Just ask jeebus, Jesse Owens, Barney Frank, etc.

 

[NCCommish]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

X standard. It's not the paint and materials it is the 'ad space' that is probably worth about 25-200k a year if they were to offer the same 'space' to subway or coca-cola.

Not sure what this has to do with anything. Establishment is about the state putting an effort into the promotion of religion. Just as students can pray but teachers can't lead prayers students should be allowed displays that administrators would be prohibited from making.

It was a banner displayed on school property. Doesn't matter who created it, who donated it, etc. Students can pray, but students can't write out a prayer and ask the school to display (read: endorse) the prayer in a public area of that school. Are you really not able to see the difference?

What I see is a banner that has been in place for 48 years. It has historical significance to the school and is from the students. Is it to the letter of the current law? No. Is it that big a deal? Not to me and my guess is to very few of my IRL atheist friends. You have heard of a Pyrrhic Victory right? This is one of those.

 

[Ranethe]

Obviously it isn't secular but given the history of the banner and the fact it was donated by students not funded by the school I disagree with the decision.

X standard. It's not the paint and materials it is the 'ad space' that is probably worth about 25-200k a year if they were to offer the same 'space' to subway or coca-cola.

Not sure what this has to do with anything. Establishment is about the state putting an effort into the promotion of religion. Just as students can pray but teachers can't lead prayers students should be allowed displays that administrators would be prohibited from making.

It was a banner displayed on school property. Doesn't matter who created it, who donated it, etc. Students can pray, but students can't write out a prayer and ask the school to display (read: endorse) the prayer in a public area of that school. Are you really not able to see the difference?

What I see is a banner that has been in place for 48 years. It has historical significance to the school and is from the students. Is it to the letter of the current law? No. Is it that big a deal? Not to me and my guess is to very few of my IRL atheist friends. You have heard of a Pyrrhic Victory right? This is one of those.

Totally disagree. I think it is that big of a deal. By hosting it they are promoting it. Doesn't belong in a public school.

 

[DiStefano]

Maybe we ought to take this one down too:

It's only been up for 90 years...

..."Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." 3

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

 

[Mister CIA]

So if I wanted to donate a Flying Spaghetti Monster mural to our local city elementary school that would be ok. Or if I wanted to donate a Nazi swastika statue on public land across the street from a Jewish School..

Sure, it's ok if you want too... good luck finding someone to accept your donation though.

And if you don't except my donation and you have a precedence for accepting other christian donations then I would sue and win.

That reminds me of a politically incorrect joke. You might win, but you'd still be ________.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Seems to have a prejudice against those "Christian" prayers:

U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux rejected the school's claims that the message in the mural - which opens with "Our Heavenly Father" and closes with "Amen" - was purely secular.

"No amount of debate can make the School Prayer anything other than a prayer, and a Christian one at that," Lagueux wrote in a 40-page opinion.

Some people think "Our Heavenly Father" refers to our current president.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

Judge orders removal of school prayer mural

(Reuters) - A federal judge has ordered the immediate removal of a Christian prayer mural displayed in the auditorium of a Rhode Island high school, saying it violated a U.S. constitutional ban on state-sponsored prayer in public schools.

U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux rejected the school's claims that the message in the mural - which opens with "Our Heavenly Father" and closes with "Amen" - was purely secular.

"No amount of debate can make the School Prayer anything other than a prayer, and a Christian one at that," Lagueux wrote in a 40-page opinion.

Jessica Ahlquist, a student at Cranston High School West, sued the city of Cranston and its school committee in April 2011 to remove the banner, which dates back to 1963.

As an atheist, Ahlquist said the mural made her feel excluded and ostracized. She accused the school of violating the Establishment Clause of the Constitution's First Amendment, which prevents the government from promoting one religion over another.

School officials responded that the banner was a historical memento of the school's founding days and did not serve any religious purpose. The prayer encourages values of honesty, kindness, friendship and sportsmanship.

Joseph Cavanagh, a lawyer for the city and school officials, said they were analyzing the opinion to determine whether to file an appeal.

"We were hoping this banner would be viewed as a neutral, secular, historic display," Cavanagh said. The mural, donated by the class of 1963, had evolved historically in the community and never had a religious purpose, he said.

The court relied on a 2005 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court called for particular care in separating church and state in public schools. In that case, the high court ruled that a monument displaying the Ten Commandments was acceptable on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.

But the court added that the same monument on the grounds of a public school would be impermissible, "given the impressionability of the young."

Lynette Labinger, a volunteer lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union who represented Ahlquist, praised the judge for recognizing that Supreme Court precedent.

"Placement of a public government display of a religious message in a place with impressionable young students has not been upheld," she said.

(Reporting by Terry Baynes; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Eric Walsh)

Kinda like the rebel flags in the south?

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Judge orders removal of school prayer mural

(Reuters) - A federal judge has ordered the immediate removal of a Christian prayer mural displayed in the auditorium of a Rhode Island high school, saying it violated a U.S. constitutional ban on state-sponsored prayer in public schools.

U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux rejected the school's claims that the message in the mural - which opens with "Our Heavenly Father" and closes with "Amen" - was purely secular.

"No amount of debate can make the School Prayer anything other than a prayer, and a Christian one at that," Lagueux wrote in a 40-page opinion.

Jessica Ahlquist, a student at Cranston High School West, sued the city of Cranston and its school committee in April 2011 to remove the banner, which dates back to 1963.

As an atheist, Ahlquist said the mural made her feel excluded and ostracized. She accused the school of violating the Establishment Clause of the Constitution's First Amendment, which prevents the government from promoting one religion over another.

School officials responded that the banner was a historical memento of the school's founding days and did not serve any religious purpose. The prayer encourages values of honesty, kindness, friendship and sportsmanship.

Joseph Cavanagh, a lawyer for the city and school officials, said they were analyzing the opinion to determine whether to file an appeal.

"We were hoping this banner would be viewed as a neutral, secular, historic display," Cavanagh said. The mural, donated by the class of 1963, had evolved historically in the community and never had a religious purpose, he said.

The court relied on a 2005 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court called for particular care in separating church and state in public schools. In that case, the high court ruled that a monument displaying the Ten Commandments was acceptable on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.

But the court added that the same monument on the grounds of a public school would be impermissible, "given the impressionability of the young."

Lynette Labinger, a volunteer lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union who represented Ahlquist, praised the judge for recognizing that Supreme Court precedent.

"Placement of a public government display of a religious message in a place with impressionable young students has not been upheld," she said.

(Reporting by Terry Baynes; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Eric Walsh)

Kinda like the rebel flags in the south?

Have historical flags ever been covered under Freedom of Religion?

 

[Koya]

To me this is cut and dry - no place to push forward a specific religious agenda on public land at the expense of (every other) religious point of view. Especially regarding impressionable children.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I think I've reached a point in my life where it's isn't even worth the time trying to explain to people why things like this ruling are correct.

I agree but it has been there for 49 freaking years. I seriously hate people.

 

[Flying V]

Now imagine the mural was written in Spanish.

 

[jon_mx]

Now if an artist urinated on the mural many of the same separation of church and staters would embrace it with federal funding.

 

[Sam Quentin]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

good career move for her actuallyGood publicity, it will help her get into a good school and whe now has some high-placed contacts

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Now if an artist urinated on the mural many of the same separation of church and staters would embrace it with federal funding.

Love it that Robert Mapplethorpe still makes the right cry into their pillow at night.I guess he was effective after all.

 

[Big_Russel]

My niece goes to this school. It's big news down there.

 

[zDragon]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

 

[Christo]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Yep, the SCOTUS sure has gone through some mental gymnastics with this one.

 

[jon_mx]

Congress Any government funded activity shall make no law respecting not show any favoritism an establishment of religion towards Christianity, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof and shall not allow free exercise thereof on government-owned property; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Yep, the SCOTUS sure has gone through some mental gymnastics with this one.

Fixed to the current standard. They did keep the shall part.

 

[ArcticEdge]

This judge wrote a 40 page opinion on it?

 

[Zow]

This judge wrote a 40 page opinion on it?

It's a big issue, and IMO this case is incredibly close. If I remember correctly from bar study (because, seriously, that joke about like 5 old guys from Harvard being the only ones to litigate controversial constitutional issues is true) the rule is that a public school can somehow mention/contain/teach about religion so long as it does promote (i.e. favor) one particular religion over any other in a non-educational sense. In this case, while I'd agree with the school that their intent is probably not to promote as it's a historical gift or whatever, it's still basically a poster/advertisement for a particular religion. Therefore, I agree with the Court - but think it's very very close.

 

[toadstool]

I think I've reached a point in my life where it's isn't even worth the time trying to explain to people why things like this ruling are correct.

I feel the exact same way, but about why rulings like this are correct!

 

[CrossEyed]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

I for one am shocked. WWJD?

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

Showing their true colors.

 

[CrossEyed]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

I for one am shocked. WWJD?

Didn't say I agreed with their threats, just pointing out that Wrigley was correct.

 

[jon_mx]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

I for one am shocked. WWJD?

It is disgraceful that some have to act like idiot union thugs when they don't get there way.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

I for one am shocked. WWJD?

It is disgraceful that some have to act like idiot union thugs when they don't get there way.

thug rapper move?

 

[zDragon]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

I for one am shocked. WWJD?

It is disgraceful that some have to act like idiot union thugs when they don't get there way.

Which side are you talking about?

 

[jon_mx]

Does this lawsuit make Jessica feel any less excluded and ostracized?Pretty sure it had the opposite effect.

Yeah, I think you might be right.

CRANSTON, R.I.—Police are investigating threats on social media directed at the 16-year-old atheist at the center of a legal battle over a prayer banner at her public high school in Rhode Island.Cranston police Maj. Robert Ryan said Friday that authorities are questioning people who have threatened to harm Cranston High School West student Jessica Ahlquist.A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the removal of a prayer banner at her school. The Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sued the city and School Committee last year over the prayer.Ryan says investigators are focusing on five to 10 people, both minors and adults. He says most of the threats are from Cranston residents.Ryan says police are increasing patrols around the school and Ahlquist's home. He says Ahlquist stayed home from school on Friday.

Showing their true colors.

I love when you talk about them people. You can make blanket far-reaching bigoted statements about entire groups of people you hate, but keep some plausible deniability that your statement is bigoted.