December 21, 2001
SCHOOL bus drivers should not lead their captive passengers in prayer. County commissioners' meetings are not the place to publicly promote religious beliefs.
These are commonly understood principles of conduct for public institutions that adhere to the separation of church and state.
That delicate separation has often been difficult in Carroll County, where churches and other faith-based organizations play a strong role. But county officials in two recent incidents have acted wisely to underline that important principle of our diverse society.
In one case, the commissioners chose not to air on community cable TV part of a meeting in which the Christian organization Habitat for Humanity asked for county help in building low-cost housing.
The group's request for waiver of fees became a long promotion of its programs and beliefs. That was improper use of the meeting (and publicly funded cable programming) to promote a religion.
The case of bus driver Stella Tsourakis emphasizes the need for the Carroll school system to make sure all supervisors of children understand the rules and the law.
A new driver, she began leading students on her bus in prayer in October. Officials told her to stop, but the children continued leading their own prayers. Her ongoing involvement was questioned.
She kept her job but school bus contractors will now clearly teach employees that they cannot lead or encourage students in prayer.
Students still have the right to pray if they choose, as long as they don't coerce others, as Superintendent Charles I. Ecker noted.
Maintaining that distinction is important for the public schools. It is also important for government to avoid the impression that it endorses a particular faith. That reinforces the faith of all in the integrity of our public institutions.
