School board in Arkansas opts to open meetings with prayer

HARRISON (AP) — One of two northern Arkansas school boards has opted to pray before meetings after receiving a letter of complaint from a foundation that monitors matters regarding church and state.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, Wisconsin, sent a letter to the Springdale board Dec. 29 and to the Harrison board March 6.

The letter said public prayers before board meetings violated the U.S Constitution. It warned the boards that opening meetings with prayers could subject their districts to "unnecessary liability and potential financial strain."