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Teachers and administrators of public schools in West Virginia have an obligation to adhere to our state's and our country's constitutions as they educate our children using taxpayer dollars. That seems as though it should go without saying. But time and again they (and a few lawmakers) are woefully confused on the issue, to the detriment of our students. The recent settlement of a lawsuit in Cabell County reminds us the courts understand where the line should be drawn.
Four families in Huntington sued the Cabell County school district in February 2022, after an evangelical preacher held a revival assembly during the school day in 2022 that some students were required to attend.
The lawsuit said two Huntington High School teachers escorted their entire homeroom classes to an assembly hosted by evangelical preacher Nik Walker, who had been leading revivals in the Huntington area.
Students, including a Jewish student who asked to leave but was not permitted to do so, were instructed to close their eyes and raise their arms in prayer, according to the lawsuit. Students said they were told that those who did not follow the Bible would "face eternal torment."
One is forced to wonder which part of the First Amendment was confusing to the teachers and administrators who allowed that to happen. As a consequence of their actions, the Cabell County Board of Education's policy now makes clear it is "not the province of a public school to either inhibit, or advance, religious beliefs or practices," according to board lawyer Brian D. Morrison.
It is mind-boggling to think such a lawsuit was necessary, particularly in a state where our constitutional rights and freedoms are so cherished. When these matters fall under legal scrutiny, the courts have demonstrated repeatedly such egregious violations of student rights simply will not fly.