Brevard County had been opening its meeting with invocations – always featuring speakers from large, monotheistic religions – for years. Yet when county residents offered to give secular invocations, they were denied.

“David Williamson set a high standard that we hope is emulated by future invocation speakers, in Brevard County and throughout America: He offered words of encouragement by focusing on the shared values that unite our communities," said Alex J. Luchenitser, AU's associate vice president and associate legal director. "Elected officials across the country should follow the wise example Brevard County has now set by ensuring that no one is denied an opportunity to solemnize governmental meetings because of their beliefs about religion.”

Some backers of compulsory worship in public schools seem to believe that forcing young people to say prayers will solve every social ill. It’s a gross oversimplification.