Foundation speaks out following mandatory JMCSS in-service session

JACKSON, Tenn. — A mandatory in-service meeting faces push back from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Nearly 2,000 employees of the Jackson-Madison County School System celebrated the start of a new school year.

Tuesday, July 30, JMCSS participants met at the Carl Perkins Center for in-service sessions.

Inspirational gospel songs were led by the newly appointed Human Resource Director for the city and local Gospel Artist, Kelsea Merriweather.

Some of the JMCSS employees were spotted on video worshiping and singing along to the music.

On August 1, Attorney for Freedom From Religion, Hirsh M. Joshi wrote a letter on behalf of the foundation to the district after learning of the in-service turned worship experience.

“Whether the people there pray or not, it’s sort of irrelevant. Whether the teachers there pray or not, isn’t really our inquiry. It’s whether the school hears praying and that’s what we’re seeing with particularly this sort of in-service,” said Joshi.

He told us that coercing staff members to sing along or participate in prayer at any teacher in-service or any school sponsored event is unconstitutional.

“When you invite a speaker to deliver prayer and really worship music over this sort of official speaker–well, I’m sure it was a microphone and speaker set, but what you do have is an official endorsement of that particular religion and that particular brand of Christianity as well,” said Joshi.

We reached out to superintendent dr. Marlon king who told us that he responded to the email that was sent by Joshi.

According to a statement released by the foundation and approved by Dr. King, King said:

“Please know that it was never our intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or to impose on any religious beliefs. I deeply respect all religions and the diverse beliefs of our community. Our goal was to inspire and unite our staff, not to promote any specific religious practice.”

Joshi even commended King in the statement for his quick response to the foundation.

“Dr. King, first of all, is not a villain in any sense of the word, he’s a good person and a good man. The city there and the county there are very lucky to have him as a superintendent,” said Joshi.

To read the full statement from the foundation and Dr. King, click here.

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