Washington —
The North Thurston Public Schools system in Lacey, Wash., will no longer be coercing student athletes into making “faith” a priority after FFRF spoke up for student rights.
A concerned parent reported that in November 2024, Timberline High School’s wrestling program issued a priority list for student-athletes. “Faith” was listed as the top priority among five priorities that students are meant to practice and balance. FFRF’s parent complainant expressed frustration over the wrestling program’s choice to include a religious concept, “faith,” among the program’s official priorities.
“Religious favoritism and promotion occurring within the school’s wrestling program is particularly troubling for parents and students, such as our complainant and their child, who do not subscribe to any religion,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote.
After FFRF’s letter was sent, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Sean Dotson communicated the school’s corrective action in regard to the violation. “We have reviewed the matter and wish to inform you that the word ‘Faith’ has been removed from the Timberline High School wrestling program’s priority list.”
