VMI evening prayers ruled unconstitutional

LEXINGTON, Va. — An appellate court has ruled that the Virginia Military Institute’s tradition of prayer before evening meals is unconstitutional.

“In establishing its supper prayer, VMI has done precisely what the First Amendment forbids,” a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled April 28. The decision upheld a lower court ruling, the Associated Press reported.

The panel rejected arguments that the prayer is voluntary because the cadets are adults. It emphasized that the high level of obedience expected from VMI cadets doesn’t give them the freedom to choose whether to take part in what has been called a voluntary, nondenominational dinner prayer.

In light of the ruling, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland said that the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., should review its practice of leading students in lunchtime prayer, the AP reported. Academy officials did not comment immediately, but a Navy official said the service will review the decision.