More grads defy Anti-Christian Litigation Unit by practicing their constitutional rights

Munford grads go in prayer

In the past, Munford High School graduations started with a student saying a prayer and ended with another student-led prayer.

But at Monday night's commencement ceremony at Dr. Sid Witherington Stadium, due to intervention by the Tennessee chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, the tradition was broken. A new twist was added with a group of prayer supporters picketing and a not-so-quiet moment of silence.

Munford principal Darry Marshall asked the 1,500-plus audience for that moment of silence so everyone could "reflect on what makes this day so special."

Most of the audience stood, bowing their heads. Then, most of the 286 graduating seniors pulled out laminated bookmarks and folded up pieces of paper that they had been given earlier and began reciting "The Lord's Prayer." Students said beforehand that they knew that the moment of silence would be their chance to speak.

Once those in the audience realized what the students were doing, they broke into wild cheering as the silence in the football stadium was broken by the verses of the prayer.

"Please be seated," Marshall told the crowd. "We appreciate the community's support."

"I think it's awesome. They should have the right to do that. I can't see how that can offend anybody," said Tom Page, whose son was performing in the high school band.

The "moment of silence" resulted after several Munford High students wrote the Tennessee ACLU in Nashville earlier this month, questioning whether their high school was adhering to the U.S. Constitution by what they felt was school-sponsored prayer.

Way to go, grads!