Casa Grande High School District resolute on not introducing prayer to meetings Casa Grande Unified High School district was deluged with emails and public comments this past month calling for the institution of an official prayer before meetings — despite never having an opening prayer before. The board has had a moment of silence before meetings since 2014 that can be used for any private spiritual purpose. After listening to constituents who contacted them (as well as Secular AZ’s law team), the board did the right thing by not caving in to demands to replace the moment of silence with a prayer. Before the 11/7 meeting, Board President Chuck Wright issued a statement saying the board discussed the matter in a private session and decided to rename the moment of silence a “moment of contemplation and reflection.” They will, however, not institute an invocation in deference to the law and the religious diversity of their community. “Our boardroom is a place to conduct school business and doing so will remain our focus,” said Wright. “People who wish to pray can either do so before or after a meeting or even in silence during our meetings as long as they do not disrupt our meeting or interfere with others in attendance who do not wish to participate.” He also reminded those in attendance that open public comments are not legally required at meetings, and that the privilege of comments may be taken away if abused. Board members need to hear positive feedback when they take a stand like this. (Currently, they are hearing feedback like this.) Contact board members here. Next Council Meeting: 12/05 at 6:30 PM 1362 N. Casa Grande Ave. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 | 
