Thanks to the Freedom from Religion Foundation, religion has been separated from Pottsboro Independent School District’s athletic program.
FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell received a complaint from an injured party that the football coach at the Texas school was leading student athletes in a pregame prayer. The football games of both the middle and high school also featured a prayer addressing god and Jesus over the loudspeaker.
Cavell sent a Feb. 6 letter to Pottsboro ISD’s superintendent, Dr. Kevin Matthews, Feb. 6 letter outlining how these actions violated the Constitution. Cavell asked Pottsboro ISD to “take immediate action to ensure that coaches do not lead, organize . . . encourage, or participate in prayers with their teams.”
Pottsboro ISD’s legal counsel responded in a Feb. 7 letter to FFRF. He stated the school has discussed its policy regarding staff led prayer with all the coaches and intends to discuss the same issue with the broadcaster before football season starts.
