Hernando County (Fla.) School District's football games will remain secular. A local complainant sent FFRF a photo of the Hernando High School and Sunlake High School teams gathered with coaches at midfield to pray at their May 22 game.
"If, while acting in their official capacities, school district employees join hands in a prayer circle or otherwise manifest approval and solidarity with the student religious exercises, they cross the line between respect for religion and the endorsement of religion," wrote Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel, quoting a federal court case.
Attorney Dennis Alfonso replied that the matter would be addressed in training provided to staff. FFRF awaits a reply from Pasco County Schools regarding the same practice at Sunlake High.