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Although Biery didn't admonish any politicians by name, Perry appeared to be one of his targets. "To those in the executive and legislative branches of government who have demagogued this case for their own political goals: You should be ashamed of yourselves," Biery wrote. Perry spokesman Josh Havens said in a statement that Perry is a staunch defender of the Constitution and will continue to fight for the right to freely pray. He did not address Biery's personal remarks. Biery began his opinion by stating that the case was not about right to pray. Instead, Biery said, the case was about whether the Constitution allows for a governmental body to promote and support a religious viewpoint not held by a minority. Biery applauded the terms of the settlement. "The settlement memorialized in today's Order signifies a bright point in our nation's long and difficult effort to harmonize the competing interests written into the First Amendment," he wrote. The settlement prohibits Medina Valley school district employees from joining students in prayer circles or inviting others to pray. The district is also forbidden from displaying crosses, Bible verses or any other religious paraphernalia on school grounds. Wood, however, said teachers may still keep religious icons on their desks. Students are still allowed to deliver prayers at graduations, football games and other school events. Those moments must generically be introduced to the audience as simply "student remarks."
[Associated
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