South Dakota —
FFRF stepped in after the South Dakota governor pushed religion on employees in an official email.
A South Dakota state employee informed FFRF that on March 21, Gov. Larry Rhoden sent an email to all state employees announcing administrative leave for Good Friday and Easter Monday, stating that he hoped they would “spend time with those [they] love as [they] celebrate the resurrection of our good Lord.”
The employee who reached out to FFRF is not religious and felt deeply alienated by the suggestion that they should “celebrate the resurrection of a good Lord,” in whom they do not believe. Such a statement from a government official not only presumes religious belief but also excludes and marginalizes employees who do not share that faith.
“Explicitly tying official leave to a religious event — especially in a way that urges state employees to participate in a specific faith practice — crosses a constitutional line,” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote to the governor’s office.
FFRF received a letter from General Counsel Katie Hruska, addressing the email. “While specific steps will not be shared, I have taken action to address the concern,” Hruska wrote.
