The American Civil Liberties Union says a banner with a prayer on it that hangs in the auditorium at Cranston High School West may be in violation of the First Amendment and wants it taken down.
The ACLU, citing a complaint from an unnamed parent, is asking the school department to take down the prayer that starts "Our Heavenly Father ..." and exhorts students to do their best and bring credit to the school.
School Committee Chairman Michael Traficante says he has been to the auditorium many times but can't recall seeing the banner. Still, he says if it is a constitutional violation, it must either be removed or amended.
The Providence Journal reports that the school committee is scheduled to discuss the matter Tuesday.
The entire prayer reads:
Our Heavenly Father,
Grant us each day the desire to do our best,
To grow mentally and morally as well as physically,
To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers,
To be honest with ourselves as well as with others,
Help us to be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win,
Teach us the value of true friendship,
Help us always to conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West
Amen
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