Caddo Parish principal accused of violating First Amendment

CADDO PARISH, LA (KSLA) - One Caddo Parish school principal is in hot water after a complaint was filed to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding a letter that was sent to parents.

The complaint alleges principal Albert Hardison violated the First Amendment.

Hardison reportedly included a reference to Philippians 4:13 in the March newsletter that went to parents and staff.

The newsletter read:

Dear Parents:

As our students prepare to take the state mandated tests, LEAP, iLEAP and PARCC, please pray that our God will give them the strength and mental fortitude, the patience, the wisdom, and the energy to do their best. Please help our children understand the meaning of Phillippians 4:13...I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

KSLA News 12 was told the person who filed the complaint doesn't have a child at Walnut Hill but is reportedly afraid that if it's happening at one school, it could spread throughout the parish.

On Monday the ACLU of Louisiana's executive director, Marjorie Esman, sent an open letter to Caddo Schools Superintendent Dr. Lamar Goree saying walnut Hill "has engaged in a pattern of religious proselytization by sending messages to parents invoking prayer, and through a lengthy 'Principal's Message' on the school's website."

The letter stated that Hardison's messages "must stop immediately."

"No school employee may tell a student what religion to practice or even to practice religion at all, nor may a school official tell students or their families to teach any religious texts," Esman wrote.

Original post:
Caddo Parish principal accused of violating First Amendment