Prayer banner fight turns "ugly"

CRANSTON, RI (WPRI) - The Cranston School Committee held a scheduled budget meeting Wednesday night, but talk soon turned to the ongoing prayer banner controversy.

The debate got heated during the meeting, with many expressing their views on the issue. Police were called in to help break up the crowd.

Earlier in the night, many in the crowd left after being told public comment would not be allowed at the meeting. The school committee says it was advertised as a budget meeting only.

School committee member Frank Lombardi says the whole thing is getting ugly and he is even receiving threatening emails.

Public comment about the prayer banner will be allowed at an upcoming meeting. The meeting is scheduled for February 16 at 6 p.m. at the Western Hills Middle School.