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Pickens County school board considers prayer
Posted: 01.29.2013 at 10:22 AM
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The Pickens County school board is trying to decide how it can pray before meetings.  / MGN
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PICKENS, S.C. (AP) -- The Pickens County school board is trying to decide how it can pray before meetings.

Several hundred people turned out at Monday night's school board meeting to discuss the issue after the board received a complaint about the prayers it has used to open its meetings.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation wrote the school board chairman in November saying the prayers before the meetings are what it called "a serious constitutional violation."

The board heard from community members and an attorney before voting 4-2 to have its staff discuss with legal counsel to develop a policy to set up non-sectarian prayer before meetings. Attorney David Duff says a non-sectarian prayer cannot be associated with any particular religion.

The board will consider the policy at its next meeting.

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