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Citizen tells board convocation policy violates First Amendment; board records public comment
Summary
During public comment at the Catawba County Board of Education meeting, Lawrence Wiederman told the board Policy 2.315 on convocation is unconstitutional and referenced the U.S. Supreme Court Santa Fe ruling; no action was taken at the meeting beyond acknowledgment and a planned presentation next month.
Lawrence Wiederman addressed the Catawba County Board of Education on May 18, arguing the board’s convocation policy (Policy 2.315) violates the First Amendment. Wiederman told the board he believes the policy permits government‑sanctioned religious expression and referenced the U.S. Supreme Court’s Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe decision as precedent.
"The board being of a cohesive majority has adopted a policy that is clearly unconstitutional. The convocation is illegal... Policy 2.315 violates my constitutional right to be free of government imposed religious indoctrination," Wiederman said during the public‑comment portion of the meeting.
Chairman Settlemyer thanked Wiederman for his remarks and the board did not debate or rescind the policy at the meeting. Wiederman said he plans to continue petitioning the board and indicated he will present further legal argument next month.
The public comment occurred before the board moved into its regular agenda; no board votes or staff responses addressing the substance of Wiederman’s legal assertions were recorded on the transcript during the meeting. The board’s next public meeting is the likely venue for follow‑up discussion if Wiederman presents additional materials.
