North Carolina —
FFRF took action after learning that the Wayne County Public School system allowed student athletes to be baptized on school grounds by school officials.
Multiple concerned community members reported that the Eastern Wayne High School football team was being entangled with religion. FFRF learned that 23 student athletes were baptized by one or more football coaches on the practice field following practice. FFRF further learned that Eastern Wayne High School accepted a donation from its Class of 1979 to fund bibles for its FCA group.
“It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for public school coaches to engage in religious practices or prayer with students,” FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote to the district.
After FFRF’s letter, the district reached out to Schwartz Law P.L.L.C. for guidance. Richard A. Schwartz and E. Alexander Groskurth worked with the district and wrote back to FFRF, informing it of the changes that had been made as a result of the letter.
“After learning that the baptisms occurred, the district launched a personnel investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baptisms,” Schwartz and Groskurth wrote. “As a preliminary matter and to prevent future occurrences, Superintendent Whichard reviewed with all school principals the guidance we drafted for him about religion in schools and sports at a meeting in October.”
