Prayer goes on during Exeter High School's graduation

EXETER, Calif.

Exeter High School's graduation ceremony began as planned Friday night, as hundreds of eager students marched into a packed stadium.

Within minutes though, the mood suddenly changed after a moment of silence was interrupted by prayer ... and a roar of applause.

On Tuesday, the Exeter Union High School District Board voted 3 to 2 to ban prayer from Friday's graduation ceremony.

The decision was made after three organizations sent the district letters, warning such prayers violate a student's constitutional rights. Parents and students unsuccessfully tried to block the vote.

In an exclusive Action News Poll conducted by SurveyUSA, people familiar with the prayer dispute were asked if the graduation ceremony should start with prayer.

88-percent said yes.

11-percent responded no.

And one-percent weren't sure.

Friday night, it was clear where most people stand on the issue. Signs with God's name were posted in the back of the stadium. Even the salutatorian ended his speech saying ... god bless.

Exeter High School's senior class did take a vote on this prayer issue. But, those votes were never counted and will never be counted, because of the board's decision.