I'd like to challenge the Escambia County School Board, the County Commission and the City Council to issue WRITTEN policies, clarifying their invocation selection process AND the guidelines for prayers given by the public. I've asked for such guidelines, but they don't exist.
I'd like them to put in writing how they choose who may pray, who they may exclude and WHY (on what legal basis). I'd like them to affirm a policy of non-discrimination and promise to accept invocation offers on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis - with ALL commissioners being subject to the same rules.
If they insist on continuing to hold church at meetings, I'd like all bodies to clarify guidelines on acceptable invocations and give them to all prayer-givers. I'd like them to specify a time limit and make it clear that speakers may not denigrate other religions, threaten damnation, or attempt to convert (proselytize) the audience toward their religion (per Galloway v Greece NY) .
Finally, I'd like each body to affirm that government staff may not lead prayers, nor ask the audience to take part. This is also against Galloway and gives the impression of the government officially endorsing the prayer in question.
Of course, I PREFER an inclusive moment of silence which respects the right of all to pray and doesn't ask anyone to pray against their conscience when they come to participate in their government.
Also, this applies to the ECSB... as long as they continue public prayer at meetings. They are NOT protected by Galloway, since other laws apply - involving staff-mandated prayer when students are present. The student handbook is clear - there should be no official-led prayer at school events.
In addition, the ECSB should clarify whether the invocation prayer occurs before the meeting starts. At present, prayer begins AFTER 5:30 (meeting start time), but BEFORE the meeting is actually called to order. So is it part of the meeting or not? If not, why are the commissioners in charge?
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