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Board debates seeking federal court change to consent decree on prayer; members vote to table filing
Summary
The board discussed a drafted joint motion to seek modification of a long‑standing federal consent decree that limits prayer at meetings. After extensive debate over legal risk and cost, the board voted to table further action and not file the motion now.
Board counsel briefed members on a draft joint motion aimed at modifying a first amended consent decree that has constrained the district’s ability to open meetings with prayer. Counsel said he had discussed the proposal with the opposing party’s counsel and prepared a draft motion, but cautioned that the Department of Justice or other parties could accept, reject or seek to intervene and that any modification would still require policy rulemaking and could prompt further legal challenges.
Board members voiced opposing views. Supporters said restoring prayer would reflect community values and that the district had already suffered constraints under the prior decree. Opponents cited the district’s limited financial margin and the risk of renewed litigation and associated attorney fees; one member argued the moment of silence already allows private prayer.
After extended discussion, a motion to table further action on filing the draft modification was made and passed 4–1, pausing any immediate submission to federal court and directing counsel not to proceed without further board direction.
