WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court Monday refused to review a lower-court ruling that struck down mealtime prayer at Virginia Military Institute.
The one-sentence rejection prompted a four-page opinion of explanation from liberal justices and a caustic dissent from conservatives.
Before the Supreme Court takes a case, four justices must vote to do so. The justices apparently voted behind closed doors earlier to reject the VMI case, but there is no record of how they voted.
Justice John Paul Stevens, joined by two fellow liberals, said there was no conflict among U.S. appeals courts, a key element when the high court considers whether to review a dispute. Stevens agreed that the Supreme Court should not review the VMI case.
Justice Antonin Scalia, joined by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, dissented, arguing the high court should have taken the case.
This isn't the first time the Supreme Court has changed the shape of VMI. In 1996, a court majority ruled the all-male cadet corps had to admit women.
