A public address by Roane County High School Principal, Jody McLoud, before a football game last year.
RCHS is in Kingston, Tennessee.


"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to
honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal
Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an
alternate lifestyle, and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and
calling it safe sex. If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn
baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem.

"I can designate a school day as earth day and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess,
mother earth, and call it ecology. I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong,
traditional, Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call it enlightenment.

"However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God and ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship,
Federal Case Law is violated.

"This appears to be at best, inconsistent and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone
except God and His Commandments.

"Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily
agree. For me to do otherwise would be at best, inconsistent and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough
unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

"For this reason, I shall, 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's,' and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel
inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far
as I know, that's not against the law...yet."