FFRF was able to end repeated school prayers by a wrestling coach in Burbank, Wash.
On Dec. 1, 2022, a wrestling event at Columbia High School was reportedly opened by the coach informing the audience that a prayer was scheduled to take place prior to the match. Attendees were told they could opt out before the microphone was handed to a student, who led everyone in a Christian prayer delivered “In Jesus’ name.”
FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote a letter to Superintendent Todd Hilberg, who responded to FFRF in a formal email, outlining a full action plan for the coach. “The CSD Athletic Director has taken immediate action and met with [the coach] over two occasions to review expectations moving forward that would eliminate religious activities within the wrestling program,” he wrote.
