Prayer ban in public schools

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. - Pace High School hasn't been the same since a consent decree arrived on campus. The decree stems from an ACLU lawsuit and two students.

The decree bans prayer and other religious activities by all Santa Rosa County School District employees.

"The consent order goes far beyond what the law actually allows to take place and it some areas discriminates against Christians," said Pastor Joseph Rodgers with Pace Assembly of God.

Rodgers says one example is the fact that neither the student body or class presidents at Pace High School were allowed to speak at graduation.

According to the ACLU, school officials promoted their own religious beliefs at school influencing students, which might include the two class presidents.

But even though the School Board and Class Presidents couldn't speak at their own graduation hundreds of their fellow students took a stand at graduation reciting the Lord's prayer.

"I think it's a good thing," said 2005 Pace High Graduate, Brad Skipper. "If you can't stand up for God, who can you stand up for?"

Thousands of residents are against the order and they're hoping for change. However, the consent decree will last for five years.

"And there's no option at this point, but to obey it," Rodgers said. "But that doesn't mean it has to stay that way."

Residents say most of the 400 or so graduating seniors participated in the prayer.