VIDEO: http://youtu.be/yceRZ98DL2Q
full DRAFT comments:
(changed slightly when spoken; note Jeff Bergosh left the room)
Of course, I'm here to talk about this board's illegal and discriminatory invocation policy.
This is not about keeping prayer out of our school system, as some may claim. As long as tests are given and sports are played, students and citizens may always pray to their gods. This is about the ECSB leading prayer for and endorsing only the most popular version of god.
As you know, this board has basically turned down myself and several others who offered prayers befitting our own faiths. From the responses we've received, it appears that religious minorities will NOT be given an equal chance to pray for our school board. One member has even publicly ridiculed several minorities, apparently due to ignorance and prejudice. But that's not important.
Tell me. How would you feel if you were forbidden to pray your goodwill upon your government, equally and respectfully, because your beliefs may be "offensive" to someone? That's what we're looking at here. I was turned down to give a Pagan prayer by two board members flat out. I was invited by a third, then that invitation was predictably rescinded. Two more won't answer.
By refusing to reconsider it's policy on invocations, this board has NOT put the question to rest. Instead, you have created a larger issue and a legal predicament that distracts from the important work you should be doing.
ALL WE ASK is that this body start its meetings LEGALLY - in a way that respects diversity, does not endorse one particular religion, and asks no one to pray against their conscience. Instead, you have chosen the perilous path of religious discrimination. As justification, you've been silent and you've invoked personal, positional, and religious privilege.
(time permitting)
(Honestly, I would be happy if I NEVER felt compelled to pray or speak before this board again. But as long as prayers are officially coerced by ANY local government body, I'll be there demanding to participate and making sure it is handled within the law. Let's not make the mistake of talking about Galloway v Greece any more. As I said, that case applies to the County Commission, which has it's own discriminatory practices. Any further argument about this board will focus on School Prayer case law, the establishment clause of the Constitution, and free and equal expression of religion.)
By now, this board has received a letter from my attorney at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, detailing the unConstitutionality of your current practice. It is a matter of public record and it's on my blog. I invite the SB attorney to publicize her own opinion, so we may all know what led to the choice of Biblical prayer alone.. instead of the M.O.S. policy you prescribe for all the rest of the school system.
As the chosen leaders of our schools, I implore this board to respect ALL your constituents, and to act quickly and quash this controversy. Lead by example, folks. It's simple. Just practice what you preach in the Student Handbook. PLEASE reconsider an inclusive moment of silence, which respects ALL beliefs - one that still allows citizens to solemnly and individually pray to their own gods, or not at all. It's not just the prudent choice, it's the right choice.
Thank you.
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