Dalton (Ohio) Middle School football coach Dennis Finley was warned about engaging in inappropriate religious activity at school for asking a student to lead a prayer at a school picnic. Senior staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent a letter of complaint Aug. 10.
School attorney Susan Hastings responded Aug. 13 that the superintendent for Dalton Local Schools made it clear to Finley that he cannot lead his team in prayer or invite a student to do so. “In addition to addressing this specific concern, the District will be scheduling professional development with all of its staff and coaches regarding the separation of church and state and, more specifically, the prohibition on leading, sponsoring or encouraging prayer in school at school sponsored events,” Hastings’ letter said.