Tampabay.com
AUGUST 27, 2008

ACLU sues Santa Rosa schools

The ACLU of Florida has filed suit against the Santa Rosa school system in the Panhandle on behalf of two high school students who claim the district has consistently promoted and endorsed religion in the schools.

In a press release, the organization states "graduation ceremonies during the past five years
at Central, Jay, Milton, Navarre and Pace High Schools have included
prayers by students – often members of groups like the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes or the Christian World Order. The graduation
ceremonies at Santa Rosa Adult School and Santa Rosa Learning Academy
also have included prayers." School officials also injected their own religious beliefs in other activities, too, the group contends.

To see the full complaint, click here.

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com.

Ron Matus covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail him: matus@tampabay.com.

Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com.

Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com.

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