Judges Understand Constitution

Last week U.S. District Judge Fred Biery had threatened incarceration if Medina Valley School District officials or students led the commencement ceremony audience in prayer or mentioned what Biery called in his ruling "a supreme being."  The ruling said that the school could not use the words "invocation" and "benediction" at graduation because doing so would make it sound like the school is "sponsoring a religion."

Last Tuesday's ruling followed a lawsuit against the district by agnostics Christa and Danny Schultz, who said their son might not take part in graduation if he were forced to participate in religious activities.  Ayesha Kahn, an attorney for Americans United for Church and State, which represents the Schultzes, said earlier this week that the district "has been flouting the law for decades."

A federal appeals court ruled on Friday afternoon that students may pray and mention God at Saturday night's graduation at a high school in a San Antonio suburb, overturning a district judge's ruling.

"I am so excited, I feel like this has been a huge blessing to see how God has worked in our lives," said Angela Hildenbrand, the valedictorian at Medina Valley High School in Castroville, and one of the people who successfully appealed the ruling. "I absolutely believe Jesus made this happen."

Hildenbrand, who just turned 18 and plans to study music ministry in college, said she will reflect on the events of the past week when she delivers her valedictory remarks.

"It is amazing how God works in our lives," she said.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott last Wednesday asked the appeals court to overturn the order. Abbott was backed by fellow Republicans Perry and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.

The appeals court "has affirmed our belief that no citizen has the right to go to the government to restrict or prohibit the speech of another citizen," said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for the Texas-based Liberty Institute, which intervened in the case on behalf of Hildenbrand.

It is good to see judges that enforce the Constitution and not try to rewrite it.  It has become ridiculous that in America one or two people can with the help of groups like the ACLU cause crosses to be covered, make it become illegal to bow your head in silence for a few seconds, or mention the word God.  What is the socialist left afraid of?

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