Moral Law Foundation to Schools: ‘Stand on the Constitution’ by John Eidsmoe
The Foundation for Moral Law, a local foundation dedicated to following the Constitution strictly according to its plain wording and the intent of its Framers, called upon Alabama school superintendents to stand on the Constitution and resist demands to remove all mention of God from public school programs.
This week the Foundation sent a three-page letter to every Alabama school superintendent, advising them that although the First Amendment prohibits “an establishment of religion,” it does not call for an absolute separation of church and state. The letter included a 112-page booklet titled One Nation Under God, a compendium of foundational legal documents including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, President Washington’s Farewell Address, and excerpts from Blackstone’s Commentaries.
The issue arose after the Superintendent of the Elmore County Public Schools responded to a complaint by deleting the performance of “Amazing Grace” from the half-time program at a Holtville High School football game. After numerous protests from parents and school board members, the superintendent reversed his ruling and decided to allow the performance.
Foundation President Kayla Moore told the superintendents, “There are well-funded organizations that are quick to tell you that any public mention of God is a constitutional violation, basing their opinion on what they wish the Constitution said rather than on what it actually says. As in medicine and many other fields, sometimes it is wise to get a second opinion.”
Foundation Senior Counsel John Eidsmoe agreed, saying, “School officials need to respect the rights of those who object, but the Constitution actually allows much more religious expression than some people think. The Foundation stands ready to assist and advise school officials whenever constitutional questions arise, and we do not charge for our services.”
Contact: John Eidsmoe, Foundation for Moral Law, 334-262-1245