An Alabama public school district has stopped opening its football games with prayer after FFRF called a penalty.
Several high schools in Jefferson County School District, including Gardendale High School and Pinson Valley High School, had been starting their football games with prayers broadcast over the loudspeaker.
It is unconstitutional for a public school to sponsor religious messages at school athletic events, wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line in a letter to the district.
FFRF’s advice fell on receptive ears. The legal counsel for the district sent a letter informing FFRF that “the superintendent met with school principals and the administration will not allow prayer at school-sponsored events.”
