The Freedom From
Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union have filed a lawsuit
against the Concord Community Schools.
This Indiana public high school has presented a live Nativity scene that’s
been a part of its Christmas celebration for decades.
The plaintiffs claim the
public school is endorsing religion by allowing that scene and is violating the
‘establishment clause’ in the U.S. Constitution.
Roger Gannam of Liberty
Counsel says during the Nativity scene, one student reads from the Bible while
others act out the birth of Christ. If
government bodies mix secular and religious content during the Christmas
season, courts have ruled that’s “absolutely acceptable” and doesn’t violate
the Constitution, Gannam insists.
A local newspaper, The Elkhart Truth, reported that Concord
High holds an annual Christmas Spectacular that includes secular Christmas
favorites as well as the Nativity scene.
The school’s performing arts program puts on the annual event, which is
based on the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall.
Concord Schools
Superintendent John Trout has said the school district will not back down
despite the lawsuit.
Gannam says Liberty
Counsel has offered to represent the school district pro bono. “Because we’re confident that this is a case
that should not have been filed and should be defeated in court,” he says.
The plaintiffs, a
Concord student and his father, are asking the Christmas Spectacular
celebration be kept secular now and in the future.
Rev.
Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain
(Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel
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