"F-R-E-E-D-O-M," said William Wallace.

            The First Amendment is sacrosanct to journalists because it ensures the right of the press to be free and independent of the government.  But, the First Amendment also ensures individuals the right to freedom of religion.

            While we don’t have an official religion, the United States is predominately a Christian country. However, in attempting to be sensitive toward practitioners of other religions, we’ve inversely become insensitive to the rights of the majority.

            Recently, Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman gained national media attention showcasing the issue in point.

            At a luncheon to dedicate a new field house at the school, Lay asked Freeman to lead a prayer prior to the meal.  Somebody screamed foul and the ACLU got involved - claiming the two, acting in their official capacity, had broken federal law by violating the establishment clause.

            Luckily, a federal judge had the good sense to rule that the two men hadn’t for they faced severe punishment if they had.

            What gets overlooked is the issue of free exercise.  As principal, Lay can’t use his position to promote religion.  He, along with all other Santa Rosa County School District employees, signed an agreement as such.  But, this agreement doesn’t restrict his right to practice religion; he just can’t force others to practice with him.

            If an attendee at the luncheon didn’t wish to take part in the pre-meal blessing, then fine, they weren’t forced to.

             But, if the majority of attendees did wish to partake in prayer, the free exercise clause protects their rights to do so.

            Besides, banning prayer in school is a bad idea. For most of us, it’s the only way we make it through.