Orlando, USA - A federal judge ruled Wednesday that four public high schools can hold graduation ceremonies in a church and do not have to cover up the 16-foot cross in the sanctuary.
U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell refused to stop the ceremonies because the plaintiffs filed their case too late. The plaintiffs were a student, her Buddhist father and an atheist parent who contend the use of Calvary Chapel in Melbourne violates the separation of church and state.
The lawsuit was brought against Brevard Public Schools on Wednesday morning. Commencement ceremonies for Bayside, Eau Gallie, Melbourne and Palm Bay high schools are scheduled for Thursday through Saturday.
Though he rejected a temporary restraining order, Presnell said the suit against the school board could go forward.
"I don't necessarily approve of the school board's decision because it seems clear to me that a secular facility without these religious icons should have been chosen," he said.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State brought the lawsuit on behalf of the student and parents, saying school officials refused to consider other locations.
"This kind of symbolic joining of government and religion makes some families feel like they're second-class citizens in their own communities," Americans United executive director Barry Lynn said.
School officials have argued that there is nothing out of line with the venue, though they have agreed to turn off a light illuminating the giant cross and print a disclaimer in the commencement program.
Last year, three of the schools held their ceremonies in the sanctuary, which seats almost 3,700 people and has air conditioning and video screens. Melbourne High decided to join the others after rain disrupted last year's commencement.