Lay, Freeman not guilty in prayer case

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Thursday afternoon, supporters of Pace High School Principal Frank Lay, and Athletic Director Robert Freeman waved down from the top floor of the court house to other supporters on the ground, holding signs reading, "now or later, God will prevail," and "prayer hurts no one."

Other supporters joined hands in prayer for the men.

Lay and Freeman were charged with violating a temporary injunction enacted by the Federal Court on January 19, 2009. The prosecuting attorney was charged by the Federal Court with the burden of proof that both Mr. Lay and Mr. Freeman knowingly and willingly violated the temporary injunction.

The case was brought over a prayer said over lunch at a school sponsored event on January 28, 2009. Pace High School invited about 20 people to attend what they called a "thank you" lunch. Before the meal was served, Principal Lay asked Mr. Freeman to bless the food, which he did.

Pace High School senior Hayley Hinote says she believes the men did nothing wrong.

"It was more of a humble blessing that he offered, and I think that's a Southern tradition. It's something you don't really think twice about in our community, and I think that's honestly the way it was passed along, this is just something that came from within them as human beings and as Christians on top of that," said Hinote.

Federal Court Judge Casey Rodgers said the court did not find that Mr. Freeman and Mr. Lay violated the temporary injunction, with knowing intent, beyond a reasonable doubt. Her Honor handed down not guilty verdicts for both men.

Minutes after the defense council received the verdict and left the courtroom they were greeted by an emotional, and extremely excited crowd.

Mr. Lay thanked his family and supporters, and then said, "Above all, above all, I want to thank the Chief Council, God the Father, God The Son, and God the Holy Spirit."

Mr. Freeman said, "I thank the judicial system of America, and let's give God the glory."

One of the defense attorney's pointed out that today is 222nd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

"Let's remember that today is the National Constitution Day so today we are rejoicing in the fact that the rule of law prevailed."

Mr. Lay and Mr. Freeman said they were ready to get back to school, and are looking forward to working with Pace High School students.

Pace High School students say they came up with an idea of a T-shirt to support Mr. Lay, and Mr. Freeman.

"It shows all the percentages of what a Patriot [the school's mascot] is made up of: compassion, dedication, determination, and then spirit is in bold because we're supporting the spirit of the Lord," said Caroline Brantley.

Darby Cowan says the shirts are to let everyone know that Principal Lay, and Athletic Director Freeman have had the support of their students from day one.

"Mr. Lay is a hero to me, and he's a wonderful man, and I felt like we needed to show our support in some way," said Cowan.

The students say they sold more than 600 T-shirts. Some of the money will be used to pay for the shirts, and what is left will go towards the Lay/Freeman defense fund.

Thursday's case was prosecuted by the ACLU, and the Federal Government.

Hinote says she can't understand why the ACLU would take pursuing this matter so far. She said, "I'm not sure what they're looking to find, but I can assure them that they're only going to find honest men."