We recently attended Park Hill High School's class of 2000
graduation ceremony at Municipal Auditorium.  This otherwise fine ceremony
was marred by the delivery of an invocation (opening prayer) and
benediction (closing prayer).  We do not know why these performances of
sectarian religious rites were allowed at our public school's graduation
ceremony, but we do know that it was a gross violation of constitutional
law.  Numerous Supreme Court rulings forbid compulsory prayer in public
schools and at graduation ceremonies.
	The fact that it was an official part of the ceremony was bad
enough, but when it was requested that everybody in attendance stand,
remove hats, and bow heads and when the persons praying invoked the name
of Jesus Christ and referred to the Son of God, we nearly fell over in
disbelief.  Was any consideration given to the possibility that among the
audience or the graduating class there was a Muslim, a Hindu, a Jew, a
Wiccan, an agnostic, an atheist, a Christian opposed to blasphemous public
prayer (if you're Christian, try reading Matt. 6:5-8), or another member
of any other religion in our pluralistic society?  This callous disregard
for the principle of religious freedom was presumptuous, insensitive,
proselytizing, and downright arrogant.  Furthermore, it demonstrates to
the graduating class that it is permissible to not only demean the
Constitution, but to ignore the rights of those in the minority.  Religion
is a personal decision; let us keep it that way.
	We hope action will be taken to prevent any further violations.
If, on the other hand, this was done to invite a lawsuit, we can assure
you that we, at least, will be more than willing to comply; and we're sure
that the American Civil Liberties Union, the Freedom From Religion
Foundation, the American Atheists, and the Heartland Humanists (to name
just a few) would love to lend their support for such an endeavor.

			Sincerely,


			Amy Ishmael (graduate of PHHS's class of 2000)


			Other Student (graduate of PHHS's class of 2000)


			Other Student (graduate of PHHS's class of 2000)


			So-and-so Ishmael (Amy Ishmael's mother)


			Derek Moore (attendee of graduation ceremony)


			Matt Rother (attendee of graduation ceremony)