Parents of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen didn?tsympathize with those opposing lunchtime prayer at the academy, disagreeing that the act is unconstitutional.
“To get a great education for free, you might have to put up with that,” said Michigan native John Thomas, parent of two midshipmen and a retired Army veteran.
Several parents from across the country were asked at Wednesday?s Induction Day ceremony whether a prayer should be part of the mealtime routine.
Most didn?t agree with the nine midshipmen opposed to standing at attention during the lunchtime prayer, which the academy insists is mandatory. The midshipmen took their complaint to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is calling on the academy to change its policy.
“I think the mids understand they have to live in a world of diversity, and have to learn to tolerate other religious beliefs,” said Debbie Camiolo, parent of a midshipman and a member of the Pennsylvania academy parents support group.
But Thomas said the complaints should be considered.
The Annapolis academy stood firm Wednesday on its policy, even as it inducted a new class of midshipmen. The academy upheld its recent statement that it does not plan to omit prayer from the meal routine.
Several incoming midshipmen said Wednesday that they either didn?t hear about the prayer issue or were not fazed by standing during the mealtime prayer.
“I don?t see it as unconstitutional, per se, and if you don?t have to bow your head or actually pray, what?s the problem?” said Mary Medford-Davis, 18, an incoming plebe from Houston.
The Anti-Defamation League, an old foe of the academy prayer, is joining the ACLU in tackling religion at the academy. The ADL first opposed the prayer several years ago,but without success.
In a statement this week, the ADL called for congressional hearings on “religious intolerance and proselytizing in the armed forces and at government institutions such as … the Naval Academy.”
