Prayer in school still hot button issue

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - The battle over school prayer in Santa Rosa County is still raging on. Friday, a judge denied a request from a group of Christian educators to change an agreement. FOX10 spoke with a member of that group and the American Civil Liberties Union about the latest development, which happened in December 2009.

The Christian Educators Association International asked a judge to change an agreement banning school prayer. They felt it violated their first amendment rights. Late Friday, the judge denied that request.

"They were not prevented from doing something they should be able to do in a school setting. Second, Christian educators came too late, raised their grievances too late in the game," Attorney Benjamin Stevenson with the American Civil Liberties Union said.

Michelle Winkler testified in this case. She said the decision is unfair.

"Then turning around and telling us, 'You're too late.' When is it ever too late to stand up for your rights?" said Winkler.

Winkler said even though she was found not guilty on federal contempt charges, she is still unsure about what she can and can not do at work.

"The employees don't even know which way to turn. They're afraid to say bless you, God bless, say nice wonderful things." Winkler said.

Winkler agrees that teachers should not be promoting religion to students, but feels the agreement has taken away her own constitutional rights.

Liberty Counsel , the law firm representing Christian Educators Association International, is planning on suing the school district over the constitutionality of the agreement.

The ACLU said it will be involved every step of the way.

The battle started in the summer of 2008. Two Pace High School students, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a lawsuit against the Santa Rosa school board, the district's superintendent, and the principal of Pace High School. The students claimed school officials used their positions to promote their religious beliefs. An agreement was issued by the judge and put in place, banning school district employees from promoting their own religious beliefs.

Pace High School Principal Frank Lay , Pace High School sports director Robert Freeman , and school district clerk Michelle Winkler all faced contempt of court charges. All three of them went through with trials and all were found not guilty.