It appears Principal Ellen Green took the government-proclaimed National Day of Prayer a bit too seriously in the elementary school she oversees. The woman is under fire for urging her teachers in a memo to use the occasion to pray for each of their students and the needs of their families.
Green, according to an Associated Press report, sent a memo to teachers at Fairfield West Elementary School in Sylvia, Kan., shortly before the May 1 prayer day, encouraging them to pray for the country, the world, their school district and each student and family served. She added in parentheses: “i.e., take a few minutes to stand beside each student’s desk and pray for that student, their family and their needs.”
Green reportedly 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.”
The American Civil Liberties Union was quick to condemn Green’s action, calling it inappropriate, if not illegal. In addition, the Fairfield National Education Association, the local teachers’ union, said it is considering taking action against the praying principal.
Vicky Nitsch of the union said some teachers found the memo offensive. Dick Kurtenbach, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri, called Green’s action “absolutely inappropriate.’
According to the AP report, Chris Manning, Fairfield School District superintendent, didn’t know if any teacher took Green’s advice. He also said he hadn’t received complaints from parents and called the matter a “non-issue.”
“I’m all for prayer,’ Manning said.
