Virginia
FFRF came to the aid of students in Fauquier County Schools in Warrenton, Va., where a pastor was attempting to proselytize public school football players.
A district parent reported that a pastor from the Bridge Community Church led a “Jesus Time Out” with the Fauquier High School football team after football practice in early September 2024. The Bridge Community Church’s mission is to “Connect You to God, Other People, & the Marketplace.” The Fauquier High School official Facebook page reposted a photo and description of the event from the Battlefield Fellowship of Christian athletes.
“It is beyond the scope of a public school system to grant access to speakers who advocate Christianity to students,” FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote to the district.
District Superintendent Major Warner emailed FFRF in November, acknowledging the letter and stating that the situation would be investigated. Warner concluded the investigation shortly after, writing back, “The practice was addressed under policy and will not be taking place in the future.”
