South Gibson Schools are telling its teachers, coaches and staff not to be a part of any student-led prayers after receiving a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
The organization sent the school a letter dated Nov. 30 saying they were told of a student-led prayer by a "concerned District community member." That prayer included coaches and school staff following a high school football game against Reitz Memorial High School on Nov. 2.
A photo of the prayer including players and coaches was shared through Facebook.
“It is unconstitutional for public school athletic coaches to lead their teams in prayer, participate in student prayers, or to otherwise promote religion to students. We are writing to request assurances that this constitutional violation will not reoccur,” according to the letter sent by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
The letter says that students who wish to pray on school property may do so, as allowed by the First Amendment. But, “it is unconstitutional for public school employees to participate in the religious activities of their students.”
In response, the school says it will tell all school personnel that can no longer be a part of any student-led prayer.
The Freedom For Religion Foundation is also responsible for sending a letter to Jackson County Commissioners in southern Indiana asking that the nativity scene on the county courthouse lawn be removed because it is “unlawful” for such a display on government property that endorses one religion. One of the county commissioners says the nativity scene will not be removed until after Christmas.
PHOTO: Facebook