ACLU Sues Smith County Schools For Using Prayer In School

A federal lawsuit accuses the Smith County School System of regularly incorporating prayer into school events.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit Monday. Brought on behalf of two families, the complaint alleges that school officials proselytize students in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The plaintiffs are listed as Kelly Butler and Jason and Sharona Carr. An ACLU press release said Butler and his children are atheists, as are the Carrs and their children.

The activities reported by the families span several school years and include, among other practices, school-directed prayer during mandatory assemblies; the distribution and display of bibles during classes; and prayers broadcasts through loudspeakers at school sporting events.

The plaintiffs have sought a preliminary injunction to put an end to the practices identified in the complaint.