Police Academy Replaces Prayers Graduation Ceremony

July 25, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

On July 25, 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported that "the city Police Commission decided Tuesday to substitute a moment of silent personal reflection for the traditional public prayer at Police Academy graduation ceremonies...The change...was prompted by last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision barring prayer at public school gatherings." The commissioner "conceded afterward that the change 'might not be very popular politically.'"