'God Bless America' spurs controversy in school’s morning announcements


Controversy continues after a Florida high school student was told not to say "God Bless America" over the morning announcements.

The principal's husband posted on social media that he and his wife have been receiving hate mail since the incident. The superintendent got involved Tuesday night. He took the student's side.

Nassau County Superintendent John L. Ruis released a statement. He says in part:

"Our hope is that the phrase ‘God Bless America’ will continue to ring in the halls of Congress, in our stadiums, in our arenas, in the halls of our schools and most importantly in the hearts of our children."

The incident started after a Yulee High School student, David Shephard, said "God Bless America" over the morning announcements. Two atheist students complained to a National Atheist group.

The atheist group then sent a letter to the principal claiming the phrase violated the atheist students' constitutional rights. Shortly after, the principal told Shephard he would lose the privilege of doing morning announcements if he said "God Bless America" over the intercom again.