Ohio —
FFRF worked with the Coshocton City Schools in Ohio to see to it that future assemblies would not incorporate prayer or religious music in order to create a more welcoming environment for students.
A parent reported that on Nov. 11, 2025, Coshocton High School held a mandatory Veterans Day assembly. During the assembly, a teacher at the high school led all students in a Christian prayer followed by a request that the students stand and sing “God Bless the USA.” The parent stated that their child felt very uncomfortable and pressured to participate. Their child also reported that they felt like if they did not comply, they might be bullied, ostracized or possibly punished.
“Coshocton City Schools has an obligation under the law to make certain that its teachers are not violating students’ rights by proselytizing or leading children in prayer,” FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Charlotte R. Gude wrote.
FFRF’s message was received and Superintendent Mark Kowalski informed FFRF that no assemblies at the district are mandatory, but the parent’s concern was addressed regardless. “I can assure you that in the future that none of our assemblies will include any type of prayer or any music that could be mistaken for ‘religious’ in nature,” he wrote. “All of our assemblies will continue to remain voluntary in nature, as well.”
