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                <p>PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the city of Cranston over a Christian prayer banner displayed in a high school auditorium.</p>
                <p>The ACLU announced the lawsuit Monday. It seeks monetary damages and demands that the banner be removed from Cranston High School West on the grounds that it promotes a particular religion.</p>
                <p>The plaintiff is sophomore Jessica Ahlquist. The 15-year-old atheist says the banner is offensive to students of other faiths.</p>
                <p>The banner encourages students to strive academically and show kindness. It begins with "Our Heavenly Father" and ends with "Amen." It has been displayed since the 1960s.</p>
                <p>Last year, the ACLU asked the school to remove the banner after a parent complained. The Cranston School Committee voted last month to keep the banner.</p>
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                <p>Information from: WJAR-TV, <a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap/ap_on_re_us/storytext/us_school_prayer_banner/40954754/SIG=10pmbg4sb/*http://www.turnto10.com">http://www.turnto10.com</a></p>
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