I have been a resident of the Lewiston-Auburn community for 37 years. My children attended both Holy Cross School and Lewiston public schools. I have nothing but high regard for both systems. When I read the article “School prayer disputed” (Nov. 21), I was both disgusted and angry.

I attended the public school system in another Maine city. I remember that the school day was started in every classroom with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. I believe it was in the mid-50s when all that changed. Some group, I do not know who, took the matter of prayer to the Supreme Court, which then ruled open prayer could not be held in the classroom. 

Now comes the case of a Muslim girl claiming her constitutional rights have been violated because the school will not make special accommodations for her. The Council on American-Islamic Relations is saying that unless the school gives the girl a special room, modifies school policy, institutes training and protects the student from retaliation, it will take the matter further. That sounds like a threat!

The Lewiston School Board and city should stand behind the teacher involved, as well as Principal Maureen Lachappelle, 100 percent. By threatening the school, CAIR is only drawing attention to itself and, in the long run, it will be the one who will be hurt. This advocacy group should be aware of two old adages: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” and “One bad apple spoils the barrel.”

David Steele, Auburn