School prayer banner case in court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Cranston "school prayer" debate is becoming a federal case.

Cranston city officials and the Rhode Island ACLU went before Federal Court Judge Ronald Lagueux Thursday afternoon in Providence to argue over the banner that's hung in the gymnasium of Cranston High School West for decades -- after being written by a student. It contains reference to "Heavenly Father" and ends with "Amen."

But before he heard arguments, Judge Lagueux decided to visit the banner to see it for himself, up close -- from far away -- sitting down in the audience. He also toured other areas of Cranston West to see other memorials and trophies -- before the entourage returned to the courtroom.

The ACLU asked for a permanent injunction last month to force the city to remove the prayer. They've cited the separation of church and state and have claimed, on behalf of one Cranston West student, that it violates the First Amendment.

Cranston city officials at first said they couldn't afford a court fight -- but later vowed to defend the keeping of the historic fixture. Attorneys for the school said the banner is not meant to inject religion into public schools, but to maintain tradition.

No ruling was expected at Thursday's hearing. Judge Lagueux is expected to come to a decision at a later date.