California
FFRF convinced the Holtville (Calif.) Unified School District not to allow representatives from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to lead students in prayer.
FFRF learned that adult representatives from the Imperial Valley ICA had been allowed to preach and pray with students in the Holtville High School wrestling, softball, cheer, golf, cross country, volleyball, basketball and football programs. These representatives were acting as de facto chaplains and had been allowed to conduct Christian devotionals and prayers with students while having special access to students during practices and games.
“Student-athletes are especially susceptible to coercion,” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote to the district. “When their school’s athletic program allows adult representatives of a religious organization to spread religious messages or lead student-athletes in prayer, the students will no doubt feel that participating in that religious activity is essential to pleasing their team’s coach and being viewed as a team player.”
District Superintendent Celso Ruiz informed FFRF that an investigation had included individual interviews with district employees and other individuals. Ruiz told FFRF that district employees were advised that they may not participate in or lead student group prayers on campus or at school-sponsored events.
