POV Season 12 Episode 8 School Prayer: A Community At War

In season 12, episode 8 of POV, titled "School Prayer: A Community At War," the documentary explores the controversy over school prayer in the town of Cranston, Rhode Island. The town had prominently displayed a "School Prayer" mural in the high school for nearly 50 years. But in 2010, a student and her mother filed a lawsuit against the district, arguing that the prayer violated the separation of church and state.

The episode follows the legal battle that ensues, as well as the impact on the town and its residents. It examines the history and significance of the mural, which features a passage from a prayer by a former Cranston student, and the arguments made by both sides in the case.

The documentary features interviews with the student who brought the lawsuit, her family, and the lawyers representing her. It also includes perspectives from members of the Cranston community who support keeping the prayer mural, including those who argue that it is a part of the town's history and tradition.

As the case makes its way through the court system, tensions rise in the town. The controversy becomes a heated topic of discussion in public meetings, on social media, and in the media. People on both sides of the issue feel passionately about their beliefs, and the dispute causes rifts in friendships and families.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the emotional toll the issue takes on everyone involved. The student who brought the lawsuit faces backlash and even death threats from those who oppose her. The lawyers on both sides work tirelessly, at times putting their personal beliefs aside to represent their clients. And the town grapples with the broader implications of the case, and what it means for the future of religious expression in public schools.

Ultimately, the episode raises important questions about the role of religion in public life, and the complicated balance between individual rights and community values. It encourages viewers to consider the impact of their own beliefs on others, and to engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue with those who hold different views.

Overall, "School Prayer: A Community At War" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that delves into a complex and divisive issue with empathy, nuance, and insight. It offers a window into a community in crisis and challenges viewers to grapple with the difficult questions at the heart of the controversy over school prayer.