The ACLU is saying religious symbols on a building that has hosted the graduating class of Neptune High School in Ocean Grove, N.J., for the past six decades, in ceremonies that often have religious undertones, makes the ceremony unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state.
The ACLU’s complaint to the school district was filed on behalf of a woman who attended the ceremony last year but doesn’t live in the district.
The religious symbols include two signs inside the Great Auditorium – a wooden, dome structure that was built in 1894 and has hosted eight presidents – one of which says, “HOLINESS TO THE LORD,” and the other says, “SO BE YE HOLY.” A 20-foot high white cross also hangs from the front of the building.
According to the NBC New York website, the ACLU says it is not threatening legal action and it wants the children to graduate in the auditorium, but it wants the cross covered. Another news report, however, says the ACLU will not comment as to whether a lawsuit is pending.
“The ACLU is not asking the district to change the venue,” said ACLU spokeswoman Katie Wang, according to Asbury Park Press. “It is simply asking the district to cover the religious symbols on the property, including covering the cross that is outside.”
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