TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 8, 2024

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a nonprofit organization that advocates for the separation of church and state, sent a letter of concern to Battle Creek Middle School in Spring Hill after a parent told the organization that the school’s principal, Mike Kinnard, led students in prayer at a May 23 graduation ceremony. According to the Tennessean, this is the second incident with Kinnard, who was challenged by FFRF in 2023 for using Bible verses and prayer to conclude an awards ceremony. Maury County Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura responded to FFRF, in identical letters, that she spoke privately with the principal about both incidents. Despite the repeat incidents at the school, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said she is optimistic that the school will take steps to ensure adherence to the establishment clause. “We’re pleased that Battle Creek will ensure graduation ceremonies going forward will honor the accomplishments of students instead of being misused for religious proselytization.”