American Humanist Association, John Doe and Jane Doe, as parents and next friends of their minor child, Jill Doe v. Greenville County School District
We challenged the Greenville County School District’s practice of including prayer in graduation ceremonies, resulting in the U.S. District Court banning school-sponsored graduation prayers.
The school district subjected countless students to school-sponsored prayers on what should otherwise be a celebratory and inclusive occasion for all students, religious or not.
Former AHA Executive Director
Based on the evidence submitted by AHA, it appears that the historical practices of the school district are, in fact, continuing to color and confuse the application of what appears to be a constitutionally neutral prayer policy, but what, in practice, may not be.
U.S. District Judge
SELECTED CASE DOCUMENTS
- Letter to Greeneville School District
- Complaint
- Appeal 1 Opening Brief
- Appeal 1 Reply Brief
- Decision 1 (opens in a new window)
- Appeal 1 Opening Brief
- Appeal 2 Reply Brief (opens in a new window)
- Appeal 2 Oral Arguments (opens in a new window)
- Decision 2 (opens in a new window)
- Supplemental Memorandum
- Court Order
Press Releases
July 19, 2019
VICTORY: Federal Court Bans School-Sponsored Graduation Prayers in South Carolina School District
December 13, 2017
Federal Court Rules in Favor of Humanist Group on South Carolina Religious Graduation Ceremonies
June 21, 2016
Fourth Circuit Vacates South Carolina Court Ruling on Prayers at Graduation Ceremonies
July 22, 2015
Humanist Group Appeals Ruling Favoring Religious Graduations at South Carolina School District
May 19, 2015
Humanist Group to Appeal South Carolina Court Decision on Religious Graduations
January 27, 2014
Federal Appeal Filed to End Religious Elements in South Carolina Public Schools Graduation Ceremonies
December 3, 2013
Case Challenging Prayers, Chapel Use for Public School Graduation Continues in South Carolina
September 11, 2013
Use of Christian University’s Chapel for Public Elementary School Graduation Results in Lawsuit
June 11, 2013
Christian University’s Chapel Used for Public School Graduation in South Carolina