Smith County School System sued by ACLU over promotion of religion in schools

November 18, 2019

The Smith County School System is involved in a lawsuit concerning the promotion of religion in schools. On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), on behalf of Kelly Butler and Sharona and Jason Carr, sued Smith County Schools to challenge the “widespread promotion of religion by officials” within the school system.

Director of Schools Barry Smith as well as the principals of Smith County High School and Smith County Middle School are named specifically in the suit.

The lawsuit alleges that Smith County High School and Smith County Middle School have “routinely promoted and inculcated Christian religious beliefs by sponsoring religious activities and conveying religious messages to students.”

Additionally, the lawsuit mentions “school-sponsored” prayer at athletic and school events, “religious iconography” on school walls, and teachers who “proselytize” and promote the Christian faith.

The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

You can read the full lawsuit here and read more about the case here.

This story has also been covered by News Channel 5 Nashville, WSMV Nashville, and Fox 17 Nashville.

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