The Iowa Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the singing of a religious song at a west-central Iowa high school’s graduation.I-C-L-U President Ben Stone says the group is suing the Woodbine School District on behalf of sophomore choir members Donovan and Ruby Skarin and their parents to prevent the singing of the “Lord’s Prayer” at the May graduation. Stone says the “Lord’s Prayer” is a very significant affirmation of faith to millions of Christians and he says, “The government’s got no business forcing people to say something like that.” Stone says the suit does not seek monetary damages, it simply asks the school to not sing the song. Stone says it’s really about religious majorities trying to oppress religious minorities. Woodbine Superintendent Terry Hazard declined a recorded interview, but told Radio Iowa the song has been a long-time graduation tradition. Hazard says students are not forced to sing the song. Hazard says the school board had considered pulling the song after learning of the Skarin’s objections, but other parents objected to that action, and the board decided to also feature a non-religious song to give the ceremony balance. Dr. Hazard says the school board will discuss the issue again at their meeting April 11th.
