Dive Brief:
- The Supreme Court declined to hear a case Monday that dealt with the right to hold prayer services after hours in New York City public schools.
- By declining to hear the case, the court left intact a city ban on religious services in schools and gave Mayor Bill de Blasio the right to remove these after hour and weekend religious gatherings from public schools.
- De Blasio, however, is forgoing this right, instead sticking to a campaign pledge to work to let religious groups use the buildings just as any other community group would when school is not in session.
Dive Insight:
Church leaders worshipping in city schools were disappointed that the lower court decision was allowed to stand. Although the mayor has pledged to allow them to use schools after hours, they could be at the mercy of each new administration.
"We are gratified that he is allowing the churches to stay," Rev. Robert G. Hall said. "It remains to be seen what the long-term policy is going to be, however."