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Nassau school district gets blasted over student announcement

 
Published Feb. 17, 2015

The conservative American Family Association has called upon supporters to inundate Nassau County schools. The group is upset with a report that a Yulee High School student was told not to say "God bless America" at the end of morning announcements.

The student's remark gained quick criticism by the American Humanist Association, which called his comment unlawful and demanded an end to the practice. The AHA walked away from the situation after school administrators told students to "stick to the script," according to NBC News.

But lots of north Florida folks see nothing wrong with saying, "God bless America." Politicians do it, they reason, so why can't kids, too?

The AFA has sent out an action alert asking for emails to superintendent John Ruis, telling him to "correct this injustice."

"This is yet another desperate attempt by the American Humanist Association to remove all reference to 'God' in American discourse," AFA President Tim Wildmon said in a release. "As we all know, and as has been upheld time and time — and time — again in our court system, Americans are free to mention God on school property. In fact, Americans are free to mention God anywhere in this nation. Ironically, it's likely God is mentioned more at AHA headquarters than in most places, as they dedicate so much time and effort to removing him from our nation."

It doesn't appear that the school directed students to mention religion.

This is not the first time a north Florida district has been engulfed in a debate over religious speech. After a lengthy battle in Santa Rosa County, lawmakers passed a law allowing districts to set policies permitting students to offer "inspirational messages" at school functions. So far, no school board has adopted such a policy.

Keep an eye on Nassau County to see what, if anything, happens next.