An Iowa school district has prohibited a Christian ministry from hosting prayer gatherings on school property after the group participated in the National Day of Prayer at Le Mars Community Middle and High Schools. The decision came following a complaint filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a Wisconsin-based atheist organization. The complaint was triggered by a Facebook post showcasing the May 1st event, which included images of students and adults gathered around a table with prayer request cards, food, and beverages. The post described the morning as “meaningful,” emphasizing ministry, connection, and prayer support for students.

In response to FFRF’s claim that the event violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, the district issued a policy change prohibiting religious groups from using school facilities for events. They emphasized that future prayer activities must be student-led or student-initiated. However, legal experts from First Liberty Institute argue that this move infringes upon the very First Amendment rights it claims to uphold. According to their legal guidance, the Constitution protects religious expression on government property, meaning the school district may have overstepped by discriminating against religious groups while allowing other private organizations access to school grounds.

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SOURCE: Decision Magazine