U.S. District Court Judge Ronald R. Lagueux, has ruled that the Prayer Mural located in the auditorium of Cranston West High School in Rhode Island is unconstitutional and that the school has 10 days to remove it.
16-year-old atheist Jessica Ahlquist saw the banner in her High School auditorium and recognized that it was inappropriate and unconstitutional. She proceeded with a facebook campaign to get it removed before working with the ACLU to file suit against the school to support and protect the separation of church and state.
Ahlquist received numerous threats and insults for her patriotic efforts, but continued to push forward with the case. Judge Lagueux had this to say about Ahlquist:
“Plaintiff is clearly an articulate and courageous young woman, who took a brave stand, particularly in light of the hostile response she has received from her community.”
Jesse Galef, spokesman for the Secular Student Alliance had this to say about the decision:
“Jessica’s victory today is a wakeup call to the nation that secular students will not be ignored or mistreated. More and more young Americans are identifying as secular, and we're starting to stand up for our rights. Jessica's example is inspiring others to speak out.”
The Prayer Mural reads as follows:
Our Heavenly Father.
Grant us each day the desire to do our best.
To grow mentally and morally as well as physically.
To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers.
To be honest with ourselves as well as with others.
Help us to be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win.
Teach us the value of true friendship.
Help us always to conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West.
Amen.
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