Naval Academy Could Face Suit Over Prayer Issue
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The US Naval Academy has recieved a letter from an American Civil Liberties Union attorney, saying that if they don't do away with the lunchtime prayer at midshipmen's mess, they could face a lawsuit. Legal director Deborah Jeon said "some midshipmen have complained that they felt coerced to participate". It's not the first time a military academy has faced the issue; in 2003 VMI was informed that a federal court had ruled it unconstitutional to hold prayers before meals, in that it violated cadet's rights under the First Amendment.
The Naval Academy doesn't appear to be too eager to comply, though. In a statement released this week, a spokesperson said, "The academy does not intend to change its practice of offering midshipmen an opportunity for prayer or devotional thought during noon meal announcements."
Not surprising, since there seems to be an ongoing, unspoken pattern of discrimination amongst certain members of the military. Spec. Jeremy Hall, an atheist, sued the Army last year when he was singled out by officials at his base. Wiccan soldier Sgt. Patrick Stewart was killed in Afghanistan, and his widow had to fight the VA just to get a pent on his headstone. It's a shame -- these brave soldiers (and yes, I include the mids at the Naval Academy as soldiers) aren't being afforded those very freedoms they're willing to fight and even die to protect.
The Naval Academy doesn't appear to be too eager to comply, though. In a statement released this week, a spokesperson said, "The academy does not intend to change its practice of offering midshipmen an opportunity for prayer or devotional thought during noon meal announcements."
Not surprising, since there seems to be an ongoing, unspoken pattern of discrimination amongst certain members of the military. Spec. Jeremy Hall, an atheist, sued the Army last year when he was singled out by officials at his base. Wiccan soldier Sgt. Patrick Stewart was killed in Afghanistan, and his widow had to fight the VA just to get a pent on his headstone. It's a shame -- these brave soldiers (and yes, I include the mids at the Naval Academy as soldiers) aren't being afforded those very freedoms they're willing to fight and even die to protect.
Comments
Let them sue! Our lawyers are ready.
Similar cases have been won and lost in different courts. The military is not subject to the same civil rights laws as “civies”.
Should be good. Usually the ACLU backs down when we call their bluff.
No one has the right to deny anyone their religious beliefs nor does anyone have the right to single an individual out simply because of their religion, or lack there of, and to treat soliders fighting to keep it that way in such a manner is totally unacceptable. This country is supposed to be tolerant towards people from all walks of life, and respect should be given- especially to those who fight and die for us.
I agree Phoenix and its ashame that people are against that.
well “Friend” I see you are at it again, i just love reading your comments! Although military laws are somewhat different than “civy” laws, the military as a whole is sworn to protect and uphold the constitution of this great country. They also have to follow it. if i remember correctly there is to be no established relegion that the whole country has to follow. also, just because you join the military or attend a military academy, that doesn’t mean you give up your own civil liberties. i think they should stick to their principals and go for it.
It’s a common belief that military personnel do not have to respect civilian authority but such is not the case. Remember, civilians are still the employer (via taxes) of the military and as such the military does have to answer to the civilian government at some point. It is also true however that as previously stated the military is sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution. As such, they need to pay attention to all of it, not just the parts that suit them.
When I was out to sea in the navy, at 9:55 pm every night, we had to listen to evening prayer. I remember dreading that time. I understand that the reason was to give sailors a chance to get a prayer in and to provide comfort, but I was forced to listen. All the TV’s were placed on standby, and no one was allowed to talk as the chaplain came on and gave me my daily dose of Christianity. I always thought these things were funny. The argument for was, it is just a prayer, it doesn’t hurt anyone, but it does. I always felt really uncomfortable during that time every night. It seems unfair that someone else’s comfort was put above mine. If I went on that intercom and did a Wiccan blessing, I am sure that there would have been a whole lot of people offended. The same laws that protect them from listening to me, should have protected me from listening to them… I wish them good luck with their case!
I can understand both sides of the situation but don’t you think there are more important things to worry about. If a moment of silence is given then people could do a silence prayer or not their choice. I thought everyone was allowed to have their own beliefs but I guess it is only in the case if we go with what they want. The men and women that fight for our rights to me deserve a lot of THANKS from us but not for them to lose their own identities because the majority is on religion or another. Everyone of them sign up for the reason to protect our nation. Their religion should have nothing to do with it and others religion should not be forced upon anyone. MOMENT OF SILENCE that is all I am saying
Unforunately the federal government these days are full of so called Born Again Christians. Since Ronald Reagan became president 18 years ago many of them feel empowered to force their views upon everybody else. I have to work with them since I work in a military hospital. But I usually keep my views to myself and I usually say no comment when they come running to me about some so called pagan or another. I really do not believe that most of these people really know what they are talking about anyway so why argue with them. I’s not worth it. They are just repeating what they were told by their prasitic clergymen or they are just mindlessly repeating their personal biases and prejudices and acting out some of their own personal fears on a subject that they do not know anything about.
There should just be “Moments of Silence” for individuals to reflect as they see fit.