Atheist Group Sues Calif. School District Over Prayer At Meetings

A national atheist group is reportedly planning to file a lawsuit against a California school district, claiming school district meetings have violated the constitution by beginning with prayer and the reading of Bible verses.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education regarding its school board meetings, saying they resemble "a church service" rather than a public school gathering.

"We believe Defendants' conduct violates both the United States and California Constitutions and deprives Plaintiffs under both," the complaint reads, according to The Blaze. "Accordingly, Plaintiffs ask this Court to grant injunctive and declaratory relief, nominal damages to redress the plaintiffs' injury, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs."

The lawsuit goes on to state that the school board has reportedly denied requests from the atheist group to stop its religious expression. The school board has been accused of discussing Jesus Christ and sharing verses from the Bible with meeting attendees, including verses from Psalms, Galatians, Corinthians, and Romans.

"FFRF repeatedly attempted to resolve these constitutional violations without litigation. FFRF originally contacted the board on Sept. 14, 2013, asking it to stop scheduling prayers at its meetings. The board responded on Oct. 7, 2013, refusing the request," the lawsuit adds.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include a student, two parents, and an employee of the district, according to The Friendly Atheist.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation stated in its lawsuit that the allegations are particularly concerning because occasionally students belonging to the district are forced to attend the district meetings.