CRANSTON, R.I.—School officials say since they can't afford a court battle, they will likely amend the wording of a banner in the Cranston High School West auditorium that the American Civil Liberties Union says is a prayer.
The ACLU, acting on behalf of a parent, has asked the school department to remove the banner, alleging that it violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
The banner, that's been in the auditorium since 1958, starts "Our Heavenly Father..." and ends "Amen," in between encouraging students to strive to do their best and be a credit to the school.
Steven Brown of the ACLU's Rhode Island chapter tells The Providence Journal that changing the wording may work, but it will take more than simply removing the first and last lines.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/
