Georgia —

FFRF made sure that employees in the Dalton Public Schools system would not be forced to go to a Christian church for a mandatory staff event.

A community member reported that on or around July 30, the district held a training event of the entire staff inside of the church. It was unclear at the time if the district provided staff with an explanation for why the training event was held at the church instead of a secular location, as FFRF’s complainant explained that past training events had taken place in the high school gym.

Additionally, FFRF was told that the following day at the annual staff convocation event held in the Dalton High School gym, a speaker delivered a prayer to the audience as part of opening remarks, and it was reported that events such as staff convocation are typically mandatory.

“DPS employs a diverse body of staff, including those who are nonreligious and members of minority faiths, as well as Christians who simply do not believe in public prayer,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to the district’s attorney.

Thankfully, the district’s attorney ensured FFRF that the district was taking steps after both violations to avoid presenting an image of preferential treatment toward Christianity over all other religions. “In an effort to change the normal practice, the principal wanted to hold this meeting at an offsite location. Christ Church allowed the high school to use its facility at no cost to the district,” Legal Representative Cory O. Kirby wrote. “It is our understanding there was no posterization at this meeting, however, the superintendent has met with the principal, and future meetings will take place at the high school gym.” Additionally, Kirby confirmed that a moment of silence would be provided for future staff convocation events instead of a prayer.

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