STATEMENT FROM DR. ANDRÉ L. HARRISON REGARDING THE HOLTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND “AMAZING GRACE”
Last week, the Elmore County School District received a complaint about the Holtville High School Band playing the hymn “Amazing Grace” during the halftime show of the football game. The same person called the Central Office twice and questioned the constitutionality of the band playing the song. After consulting with legal counsel and receiving an admittedly conservative recomme...ndation, I made the decision to remove the song from the halftime show.
After word of my decision circulated, I heard from many concerned parents, and frankly I still had reservations about my initial decision. I asked counsel to do further research on this issue and present me with options that would keep the district in legal compliance, but permit performance of one of the most iconic songs in the history of our nation. Based on that additional research, I have decided today that the band will be allowed to perform “Amazing Grace” this fall.
I thank you all for your support and for letting your voices be heard, and I STAND firmly by my decision.
Have a great afternoon.
Dr. Harrison