Oklahoma
An adult “huddle leader” from the Oklahoma Fellowship of Christian Athletes was reportedly allowed to preach and pray with students in multiple Jay Public Schools district athletic programs. The FCA representative had been acting as a de facto chaplain and had been allowed to spread Christian messages to students while having special access to the team’s locker rooms, training and games.
“Student athletes are especially susceptible to coercion,” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote to the district. “When their school’s athletic program allows adult representatives of a religious organization to spread religious messages or lead student athletes in prayer, the students will no doubt feel that participating in that religious activity is essential to pleasing their team’s coach and being viewed as a team player.”
John E. Priddy, the district’s legal representative, responded to FFRF regarding corrective actions that were taken to remedy the violation. “After receiving your letter, the district investigated this matter and discovered that FCA representation did pray at certain events,” Priddy wrote. “The superintendent and I have discussed this, and she informed me that she has spoken to her administrators and coaches about this situation and the constitutional prohibition against public prayer in school or at a school event by a FCA representative or anyone else. She has assured me that this will not happen again.”
