Oklahoma —
Thanks to information provided by a local member, FFRF’s work saw the San Springs Public Schools system in Oklahoma stop a high school football coach from leading students in prayer before games.
After receiving a report from member William Dusenberry, FFRF learned that the head football coach at Charles Page High school had reportedly led student-athletes in the Lord’s Prayer before a game in December 2025. In order to protect student rights, FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to the district, calling for an investigation to put a stop to coaching staff pushing prayer on students.
“When coaches lead students in prayer and direct or encourage them to pray, the student-athletes will no doubt feel that participating in that prayer is essential to pleasing their coach and being viewed as a team player,” Lawrence wrote.
The district rightfully looked into the situation, and FFRF learned from the district’s legal representative, John E. Priddy, that action had been taken. “The administration and I have spoken about ensuring that this does not happen in the future and the administration is committed to ensuring the law is followed.”
