* Last December the Florida High School Athletic Association told Cambridge Christian School that it could not have access to the loudspeaker at Camping World Stadium in Orlando–before the 2A State Championship football game–to broadcast their team prayer to fans and spectators. It’s that First Amendment and free-speech-shy-of-promoting-religion thing. We’ve been here before; we’ll be here again.
But here’s a reality that litigants never acknowledge. This is also, ironically, about the trivialization of religion. In short: “Praise the Lord. Kick some University Christian School ass. Thank you, Jesus.”
*This just in. Pinellas County school officials have underscored that they will continue to double down on efforts to close the racial gap in learning. Most recently, 30 percent of black students scored at their grade level or higher on the states’s English language arts exam. The rate for non-black students was nearly double–58 percent.
Two points. The racial gap remains unacceptable. And that 58 percent mark is also a disgrace.
* Financial Plight Thickens. The Hillsborough County School District is in a budget crisis brought on by crushing debt. Too bad a reset button is not among its options. Too bad the Gates Foundation didn’t say this to MaryEllen Elia & Co: “Here’s a big, 10-figure sum of money. Spend it wisely to the benefit of students and teachers. You’re the day-to-day experts–not us. We’re just well-intentioned and rich. And, no, there will be no matching funds involved. Don’t worry about siphoning from other needs to accommodate a Foundation formula. But, whatever you do, make sure teacher morale never wavers.”