Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law last Friday, a once controversial school prayer bill that was watered down throughout the legislative session.
The measure, HB 31, grew out of a Panhandle dispute where the Santa Rosa School District had teachers sign a consent decree not to participate in any religious activity at school. The new law prohibits districts from forcing any school personnel to not participate in religious activity. The measure also bars school officials from preaching or promoting prayers during school functions and organizing school-sponsored religious services.
“Our First Amendment rights, granted to us by the U.S. Constitution are absolute, and this law ensures that they remain that way,” said Rep. Greg Evers, R- Baker.
First amendment advocates noted that the bill could have unintended consequences though.
Frank LaMonte of the Student Press Association in Washington, D.C. said last month that the legislation may unshackle student newspapers from the usual oversight of school administrators, effectively putting Florida among seven states – none in the Southeast – which have passed laws endorsing free expression for students.
Source: The News Service Florida
