High School Valedictorian Sues School To Stop Graduation Prayer

Click to read full original article from The Indy Channel.com

GREENWOOD, Ind. -- A student who sued his school to stop a prayer at graduation spoke out for the first time about his intentions and a backlash at school.

In September, Greenwood High School gave its senior class a ballot, asking them if they wanted to include prayer at graduation. Most students were in favor, but not all.

"I saw that as the school asking the students whether or not we wanted to violate the U.S. Constitution," said Eric Workman, the school's valedictorian. "I'm a Christian, but I also believe the law is the law."

With the backing of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, Workman sued the school and won.After the courtroom battle ended, Workman had another to fight at the school with angry students."Dealing with my peers, it was difficult, but it showed their true character," Workman said.

Workman has heard rumors that there will be protests when he addresses his peers at commencement on Friday."Someone is going to sneeze, and everyone says, 'God bless you,' in order to get back at Eric Workman," said Nick Rice, a junior at the school."If something does happen, I wouldn't be the one to stop it," said senior Craig Egenolf. "I wouldn't be the one to not participate in it, either."Workman said that he's a little concerned about his safety and that no matter what happens, he is going to finish his speech, which will address the controversy."I would have done it again in a heartbeat, because I know I was standing up for what I believe was right," he said. "To do anything but that would have let me down at the end of the day."

In the wake of the suit, school officials said they will not screen speeches by four seniors, which leads some to believe a student will read a prayer as part of their speech.David Edds, superintendent of Greenwood Schools, said he expects students to behave at commencement, but he is concerned about audience members. Extra security officers will be on hand.
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JMC Ministries Response

This young man is the future of the United States Of America. And even before he graduates high school he is already trampling on the Rights of his fellow Students and American Citizens Even while saying he is a Christian but The Law is the Law.

If students want to pray at their graduation let them pray. If they don't then let them sit by silently out of respect for those who do want to. No one is forcing this kid to pray.

What is so wrong with people wanting to pray over your future and life? When we pray we ask for blessing not curses and bad things or so we have been taught in the bible.

As long as "Freedom Of Religion" is in our U.S Constitution People need to continue to fight against children and people like this or we will just see all our rights taken away.

WE can only pray for this young man that he sees the truth and allow the Love of Christ to infiltrate into his heart and change his life.