New York, NY, January 7, 1998 The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called upon the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to reconsider a recent decision regarding religious music in public schools.

Attorneys for Jewish student Rachel Bauchman have filed a petition urging review of a three-judge panel decision issued last month. The decision held that Ms. Bauchman's rights under the First Amendment were not violated even though her complaint detailed a series of actions by her choir teacher at Salt Lake City's West High School which clearly promoted and endorsed the Mormon religion.

"This decision flies in the face of any reasonable interpretation of the First Amendment," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. He pointed out that the public high school choir class in which Rachel had enrolled regularly participated in Mormon church services and sang a hugely disproportionate number of Christian devotional songs. In addition, the teacher offered prayers in class, and requested class members also to offer prayers and personal testimony concerning the truth of the Mormon church and the divinity of Jesus Christ. When Rachel objected to these practices, the teacher used class lectures to criticize and ridicule her.

"This is precisely, obviously and blatantly the kind of activity which the Constitution prohibits in public schools," Mr. Foxman stated. "The lower court decision cannot be allowed to stand."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.