An elementary school principal who asked teachers to stand by students' desks and pray on the National Day of Prayer drew criticism from a union and civil rights advocates.
The Fairfield National Education Association of teachers said it was considering action over the memo by Principal Ellen Green. The American Civil Liberties Union called it inappropriate, if not illegal.
Chris Manning, superintendent of the Fairfield School District, said Wednesday he didn't know whether any teachers had carried out Green's recommendations.
Her suggestions were in a weekly agenda sent to teachers at Fairfield West Elementary shortly before the May 1 prayer day.
The memo said teachers should pray for the country, the world, the school district and every student and family it serves. In parentheses, she added, "I.E. Take a few minutes to stand beside each student's desk and pray for that student, their family and their needs."
She also wrote, "God honors those who honor Him and seek His will. I plan to make this a day of prayer and fasting. I would welcome your joining me in seeking God's favor and direction."
Green had no comment on the matter, her secretary Pam Shmidl said Wednesday.
The union's Vicky Nitsch said teachers found the memo offensive and "felt it was wrong."
Dick Kurtenbach, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri, said it was unclear whether the memo violated the laws on separation of church and state, but called it "absolutely inappropriate."
"I think it's poor judgment to advise a teacher to do something that if they did it, would be a violation of the law," Kurtenbach said.
The superintendent said he hadn't received complaints from parents and called the matter a "non-issue."
"I'm all for prayer," Manning said.