Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Ffrf Invocations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Citizen cites Freedom From Religion Foundation letter, urges Onslow board to stop Christian invocations
Summary
A community member read a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation alleging the board’s invocation practices violate the Constitution and asked the board to stop opening meetings with Christian prayer.
A member of the public told the Onslow County Board of Education the board had received a legal demand from the Freedom From Religion Foundation and urged officials to stop opening meetings with Christian invocations.
Eric Rockerwitz, who identified himself as a concerned community member and Onslow County Schools graduate, told the board that on April 3 the county boards received a notice from Samantha Lawrence, a staff attorney for the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), demanding that the boards “immediately end constitutional violations” related to invocation practices. Rockerwitz read portions of the letter during the public comment period and urged the board to "stop violating our rights." He said he read the comments "on behalf of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, FFRF," and urged the board to respond with "more kindness, respect, and critical thinking."
Rockerwitz also referenced Onslow County School Board Policy 3515 and recalled a prior meeting where a board member’s prayer made controversial remarks. He encouraged board members to follow their own rules. The board did not take action during the public‑comment period; staff and board members later continued to the agenda.
