FFRF has ensured that all lessons being taught at an Indiana elementary school will be free of religious ideology.
Earlier this spring, FFRF sent a letter to the School City of Mishawaka district after a concerned parent contacted the state-church watchdog to report that a first-grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School assigned an art project to students focused on the biblical nativity story. The teacher reportedly taught her class that Christmas was Jesus’ birthday and read a book about it to the class.
“As you are certainly aware, public schools have a constitutional obligation to remain neutral toward religion,” wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne to Superintendent A. Dean Speicher.
The district recently assured FFRF that the teacher had been reminded of her obligations to remain neutral in matters regarding religion in her role as a public school teacher and that the promotion of Christianity would not recur.
FFRF has ended unconstitutional religious promotion within a Chicago suburb school district.
A concerned community member of Community Consolidated School District 15 reported to FFRF that the district allows outside adults to engage in one-on-one meetings with students at several district elementary schools, usually during lunch. The adults are affiliated with a faith-based organization named Kids Hope USA that connects “one church” with public schools under the guise of mentorship. Kids Hope USA believes the most effective aspect of its program is that it prays for students.
While the adults purportedly discuss only secular topics with students, and do not inform students that “prayer partners” are secretly praying for them, FFRF was informed that these adults had been abusing their access to students by advertising for a religious event.
In a letter sent to Superintendent Scott Thompson, FFRF informed the district that, in fact, Kids Hope USA’s website suggests that promoting religious events is a fundamental goal of its program: “Principals are advised that parents may choose to someday send their children to events at the church, only after parental permission is granted.”
FFRF warned the district that, regardless of parental permission, it is inappropriate and unconstitutional for a public school district to allow church representatives unique access to invite students to religious events, during the school day on school property, after developing a personal one-on-one relationship with those students.
“No outside adults should be provided carte blanche access to minors — a captive audience — in a public school,” wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne to Thompson. “The district may not allow its schools to be used as recruiting grounds for churches during the school day.”
The district responded to FFRF with assurances that the violation would not recur.
“The district is updating its own administrative procedures to ensure that all volunteer mentors are informed that they must refrain from praying or proselytizing while at school, including encouraging students to attend religious events,” a legal representative of the district informed FFRF.
Where: Viburnum Police Department.
Violation: The department placed a bumper sticker on a government patrol car reading, “2 Chronicles 7:14.”
Outcome: The city responded on April 23 informing FFRF that the department had removed the sticker.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Where: Viburnum Police Department.
Violation: The department placed a bumper sticker on a government patrol car reading, “2 Chronicles 7:14.”
Outcome: The city responded on April 23 informing FFRF that the department had removed the sticker.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Where: Dillard Drive Middle School in Raleigh.
Violation: The boys basketball coaches had instituted team prayers.
Outcome: An attorney representing Wake County Public Schools responded to FFRF on April 20, writing that it addressed the violation.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Where: Dillard Drive Middle School in Raleigh.
Violation: The boys basketball coaches had instituted team prayers.
Outcome: An attorney representing Wake County Public Schools responded to FFRF on April 20, writing that it addressed the violation.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Where: East Carter and West Carter high schools.
Violation: Basketball coaches from both schools joined hands in a prayer circle with their teams and cheerleaders after a basketball game. An image of the two teams praying with their coaches was posted on the West Carter High School official Facebook page.
Outcome: Superintendent Ronnie Dotson responded on April 17, informing FFRF that the coaching staffs at both schools have been reminded that they are not permitted to organize, sponsor or participate in student initiated prayer.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Snow Rogers Elementary School in Birmingham.
Violation: A kindergarten teacher led her class in prayer.
Outcome: An attorney representing the district responded on April 17 to assure FFRF that the principal had discussed the situation with the teacher and that there would not be a similar occurrence in the future.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Snow Rogers Elementary School in Birmingham.
Violation: A kindergarten teacher led her class in prayer.
Outcome: An attorney representing the district responded on April 17 to assure FFRF that the principal had discussed the situation with the teacher and that there would not be a similar occurrence in the future.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: East Carter and West Carter high schools.
Violation: Basketball coaches from both schools joined hands in a prayer circle with their teams and cheerleaders after a basketball game. An image of the two teams praying with their coaches was posted on the West Carter High School official Facebook page.
Outcome: Superintendent Ronnie Dotson responded on April 17, informing FFRF that the coaching staffs at both schools have been reminded that they are not permitted to organize, sponsor or participate in student initiated prayer.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Milford High School in Milford.
Violation: A science teacher had been guiding her students in prayer.
Outcome: On April 16, Superintendent Robert Marquis reported to FFRF that the principal reiterated the seriousness of the accusation to the teacher and reminded her to refrain from having any conversation with students that involved prayer.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Bolivar High School.
Violation: The high school had invited Bob Holmes to give a presentation to its student body during school hours at the school. Holmes took several opportunities to preach his Christian faith to the students. He was also accompanied by representatives of the Agape Baptist Church of Stockton, Mo., who took pictures and video of the event and publicized it on the church’s Facebook page.
Outcome: “I have been assured by the superintendent that [Holmes] will not be invited back for any future engagements,” the legal counsel for the Bolivar R-1 School District recently informed FFRF.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: North Arvada Middle School in Golden.
Violation: The school, which rents its auditorium to a local church on Sundays, posted a sign that stayed up throughout the school week on its property that advertises the church’s services.
Outcome: The district responded on April 11, assuring FFRF that it had informed the church that it may display the sign advertising its church services on school grounds only on Sundays.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: North Arvada Middle School in Golden.
Violation: The school, which rents its auditorium to a local church on Sundays, posted a sign that stayed up throughout the school week on its property that advertises the church’s services.
Outcome: The district responded on April 11, assuring FFRF that it had informed the church that it may display the sign advertising its church services on school grounds only on Sundays.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Bolivar High School.
Violation: The high school had invited Bob Holmes to give a presentation to its student body during school hours at the school. Holmes took several opportunities to preach his Christian faith to the students. He was also accompanied by representatives of the Agape Baptist Church of Stockton, Mo., who took pictures and video of the event and publicized it on the church’s Facebook page.
Outcome: “I have been assured by the superintendent that [Holmes] will not be invited back for any future engagements,” the legal counsel for the Bolivar R-1 School District recently informed FFRF.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Central Grade School in Effingham.
Violation: Effingham Community School Board President Jeff Michael arranged for Christ’s Church, where he is a pastor, to give a presentation about dinosaurs to students. Elementary-aged students were handed flyers promoting a weekend event, a presentation was hosted by the Creation Truth Foundation, a creationist group, which was not disclosed in the flyer.
Outcome: District President Mark Doan has promised to implement a policy making certain that students will not be given flyers advertising religious events during school presentations.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Ryan Jayne.
Where: Crossett High School in Crossett.
Violation: School staff had been scheduling prayer as a part of the annual pre-homecoming pep rally. School faculty were also involved in “See You at the Pole,” a Christian-oriented prayer rally.
Outcome: A legal representative of the district responded on April 5, informing FFRF that prayers during pep rallies would end and that school faculty would not be participating in “See You at the Pole” events on school property.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Crossett High School in Crossett.
Violation: School staff had been scheduling prayer as a part of the annual pre-homecoming pep rally. School faculty were also involved in “See You at the Pole,” a Christian-oriented prayer rally.
Outcome: A legal representative of the district responded on April 5, informing FFRF that prayers during pep rallies would end and that school faculty would not be participating in “See You at the Pole” events on school property.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Central Grade School in Effingham.
Violation: Effingham Community School Board President Jeff Michael arranged for Christ’s Church, where he is a pastor, to give a presentation about dinosaurs to students. Elementary-aged students were handed flyers promoting a weekend event, a presentation was hosted by the Creation Truth Foundation, a creationist group, which was not disclosed in the flyer.
Outcome: District President Mark Doan has promised to implement a policy making certain that students will not be given flyers advertising religious events during school presentations.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Ryan Jayne.
A concerned area resident reported to FFRF that each year during the holiday season, the city of Dover, Ohio, was displaying a nativity scene along with a large Latin cross on city property.
FFRF was also informed that there is a Ten Commandments monument that is located on city property near a local church.
“It is unlawful for the city of Dover to maintain, erect or host a holiday display that consists solely of a nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for and endorsing one religion,” wrote Line in a letter to the mayor on Jan. 26. “The Supreme Court has ruled it is impermissible to place a nativity scene as the sole focus of a display on government property.”
Line also requested that the Ten Commandments display be moved to private or church grounds.
The city responded on April 3 informing FFRF that Dover will not display the cross as part of its seasonal display and will have the Ten Commandments monument moved from city property.
Where: Rose Garden Elementary in Schertz.
Violation: The school had scheduled an event where the Christian missionary group Samaritan’s Foot would give shoes and socks to students and then wash the students’ feet.
Outcome: On April 3, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD responded, informing FFRF that the missionary group would forego the washing of the feet.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Where: Rose Garden Elementary in Schertz.
Violation: The school had scheduled an event where the Christian missionary group Samaritan’s Foot would give shoes and socks to students and then wash the students’ feet.
Outcome: On April 3, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD responded, informing FFRF that the missionary group would forego the washing of the feet.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
A concerned area resident reported to FFRF that each year during the holiday season, the city of Dover, Ohio, was displaying a nativity scene along with a large Latin cross on city property.
FFRF was also informed that there is a Ten Commandments monument that is located on city property near a local church.
“It is unlawful for the city of Dover to maintain, erect or host a holiday display that consists solely of a nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for and endorsing one religion,” wrote Line in a letter to the mayor on Jan. 26. “The Supreme Court has ruled it is impermissible to place a nativity scene as the sole focus of a display on government property.”
Line also requested that the Ten Commandments display be moved to private or church grounds.
The city responded on April 3 informing FFRF that Dover will not display the cross as part of its seasonal display and will have the Ten Commandments monument moved from city property.
Where: Wayne County High School.
Violation: The high school was broadcasting prayer over its public announcement system to students during the morning announcements.
Outcome: Superintendent Marlon Davis responded to FFRF to inform it that the principal of Wayne County High School has been directed to cease the prayer broadcasts.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Wayne County High School.
Violation: The high school was broadcasting prayer over its public announcement system to students during the morning announcements.
Outcome: Superintendent Marlon Davis responded to FFRF to inform it that the principal of Wayne County High School has been directed to cease the prayer broadcasts.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
FFRF initially wrote in early March to Indian Creek School District about a March 19 event at Hills Elementary School in Wintersville, Ohio, where representatives from Samaritan’s Feet were scheduled to give shoes and socks to students and then wash the students’ feet.
The washing of feet is a ritual steeped in religious significance, FFRF pointed out. The act is modeled after John 13:1–17 in the New Testament, in which Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and instructs them to wash each other’s feet. Samaritan’s Feet is a Christian missionary organization.
If the district allowed these outside adults to have this “spiritual” interaction with students, then Samaritan’s Feet would have essentially bought access, at a school-sponsored event, to proselytize the children in the district’s care, FFRF underlined.
“It is well settled that public schools may not advance or promote religion,” Line wrote to Superintendent T.C. Chappelear. “In Lee, the Supreme Court extended the prohibition of school-sponsored religious activities beyond the classroom to all school functions, holding prayers at public high school graduations an impermissible establishment of religion. Even if this shoe giveaway takes place outside the normal school day, it still violates the Constitution as a school-sponsored religious activity.”
The district cancelled the event as a result of FFRF’s reasoning.
Where: Okaw Valley High School.
Violation: Coaches of the high school basketball team were participating in prayers with their students.
Outcome: “We have shared your concern with the athletic director,” Superintendent Kent Stauder wrote to FFRF in response. “We reinforced that this type of activity could be viewed as an endorsement of religion. The athletic director was further directed to share this information with the coaching staff.”
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Ryan Jayne.
Where: Okaw Valley High School.
Violation: Coaches of the high school basketball team were participating in prayers with their students.
Outcome: “We have shared your concern with the athletic director,” Superintendent Kent Stauder wrote to FFRF in response. “We reinforced that this type of activity could be viewed as an endorsement of religion. The athletic director was further directed to share this information with the coaching staff.”
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Ryan Jayne.
Where: Woodbine Elementary School in Kingsland.
Violation: A Black History Month assembly held for students at Woodbine Elementary School in Kingsland, Ga., this February opened with a preacher leading the children in prayer. The preacher had been introduced by the school principal.
Outcome: On March 23, Camden County Schools Superintendent William Hardin informed FFRF that he addressed the violations with the principal.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Woodbine Elementary School in Kingsland.
Violation: A Black History Month assembly held for students at Woodbine Elementary School in Kingsland, Ga., this February opened with a preacher leading the children in prayer. The preacher had been introduced by the school principal.
Outcome: On March 23, Camden County Schools Superintendent William Hardin informed FFRF that he addressed the violations with the principal.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
An appeals court decision by a three-judge panel on March 23 in a crucial FFRF Indiana case is a partial victory for our secular Constitution.
Each December, for nearly half a century, the Performing Arts Department of Concord High School in Elkhart, Ind., staged several highly religious nativity performances of its “Christmas Spectacular.”
FFRF and the ACLU of Indiana sued in the fall of 2015 on behalf of parents and students who were ostracized by the annual nativity pageant, which involved students acting out the biblical story while a teacher read aloud from the New Testament. When U.S. District Judge Jon DeGuilio issued a preliminary injunction in late 2015 against the live nativity, the school responded by placing mannequins on stage as a static nativity scene, while students performed the same Christmas songs, albeit without employee-led bible readings.
DeGuilio ruled last year that the live nativity was “an impermissible message of endorsement,” but that the school could continue displaying its static nativity scene. FFRF, the ACLU, and the ACLU of Indiana filed a brief before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals contending that, given the previous version of the nativity performance, the modest changes made by the district would be viewed by the public as an attempt to preserve the school’s 45-year tradition of First Amendment abuse.
While the 7th Circuit decision acknowledged that it was a close call and that its ruling was confined to the specific facts before the court, ultimately it upheld the district court’s decision. Although FFRF is disappointed that the court was persuaded by the school’s superficial changes to its longstanding Christian performance, the court also affirmed that the plaintiffs are entitled to damages and a declaratory judgment that prior versions of the show violated the Establishment Clause, calling the live nativity in particular “problematic.”
Since FFRF was not challenging the entire performance, but only the final Christian portion, the court instead should have considered whether the school had a secular purpose in having students sing Christian songs about the birth of Jesus while displaying a nativity scene, which it plainly does not.
The court acknowledged that the show’s blatantly unconstitutional 45-year history affected its analysis, noting FFRF’s point that the school’s mannequin performance was “the same religious program, just with litigation-motivated edits.” But the court bizarrely concluded that the 45 years of promoting Christianity reduced the appearance of religious endorsement in the modified performance because the new version was “a major departure from [previous shows].” This reasoning is backward, since brazenly violating the Constitution for 45 years should lead to greater skepticism of the school’s intent to be neutral toward religion, not less.
An Ohio high school basketball coach will no longer be leading his team in pre-game prayers thanks to FFRF.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that Unioto High School basketball coach Matt Hoops was leading his team in prayer before games. An article in a local paper detailed how Hoops prayed with his team before a game early in March. Hoops reportedly began the prayer with “Dear Lord,” and closed it in “Jesus’ name.”
Line wrote to Union-Scioto Local School District on March 20 informing the district that it is illegal for public school athletic coaches to lead their teams in prayer.
On March 22, a legal representative of the district responded assuring FFRF that the superintendent contacted Hoops and reminded him of the district’s policy prohibiting coach-led prayers.
Where: Cape Coral Police Department.
Violation: A story titled “When God created police officers” was posted to the department’s Facebook page. The fictitious story described a conversation between “the lord” and an angel and was meant to mimic the biblical creation story portrayed in the book of Genesis.
Outcome: On March 22, Chief of Police David Newlan informed FFRF that the department had removed the story from its Facebook page and all other department social media accounts.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Andrew L. Seidel.
Where: West Point High School in Cullman.
Violation: The school was scheduling prayers before assemblies and ceremonies. The prayers were typically led by the principal or student.
Outcome: Superintendent Shane Barnette responded on March 22, informing FFRF that he discussed the issues with the responsible staff members.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: West Point High School in Cullman.
Violation: The school was scheduling prayers before assemblies and ceremonies. The prayers were typically led by the principal or student.
Outcome: Superintendent Shane Barnette responded on March 22, informing FFRF that he discussed the issues with the responsible staff members.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Cape Coral Police Department.
Violation: A story titled “When God created police officers” was posted to the department’s Facebook page. The fictitious story described a conversation between “the lord” and an angel and was meant to mimic the biblical creation story portrayed in the book of Genesis.
Outcome: On March 22, Chief of Police David Newlan informed FFRF that the department had removed the story from its Facebook page and all other department social media accounts.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Andrew L. Seidel.
An Ohio high school basketball coach will no longer be leading his team in pre-game prayers thanks to FFRF.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that Unioto High School basketball coach Matt Hoops was leading his team in prayer before games. An article in a local paper detailed how Hoops prayed with his team before a game early in March. Hoops reportedly began the prayer with “Dear Lord,” and closed it in “Jesus’ name.”
Line wrote to Union-Scioto Local School District on March 20 informing the district that it is illegal for public school athletic coaches to lead their teams in prayer.
On March 22, a legal representative of the district responded assuring FFRF that the superintendent contacted Hoops and reminded him of the district’s policy prohibiting coach-led prayers.
FFRF has also ended unconstitutional prayers in the Sidney, Ohio, school district.
After receiving multiple complaints that Sidney City Schools was regularly scheduling and promoting prayer at school-sponsored events and activities, FFRF took action to end the violations.
It was reported that the district’s football coach had been leading his team in prayer for the past decade, and that there is scheduled prayer at graduation and other school events. The local newspaper reported that in March, Sidney City Schools invited a religious leader from Sidney First Methodist Church to lead students in prayer at two school assemblies. Line wrote to the district on March 21 informing it that such conduct is unlawful.
The district responded that day in an email assuring FFRF that future assemblies will not include prayer.
Where: Leadership Academy in Tyler.
Violation: Teachers within the school had established a prayer practice that was taking place each day before lunch. Allegedly, every day a teacher was selecting a student to lead the prayer or else a teacher was leading the prayer.
Outcome: On March 21, FFRF received a response from a legal representative of the school informing FFRF that the prayer practice would end.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Where: Leadership Academy in Tyler.
Violation: Teachers within the school had established a prayer practice that was taking place each day before lunch. Allegedly, every day a teacher was selecting a student to lead the prayer or else a teacher was leading the prayer.
Outcome: On March 21, FFRF received a response from a legal representative of the school informing FFRF that the prayer practice would end.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Where: Houston Independent School District.
Violation: The principal of the district’s Energized for STEM Academy adopted a policy of including a bible reading during the morning announcements each day. The chosen bible passages were read directly by either the principal or another school employee over the school’s intercom.
Outcome: FFRF was informed that the practice was ended on March 20.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Where: Houston Independent School District.
Violation: The principal of the district’s Energized for STEM Academy adopted a policy of including a bible reading during the morning announcements each day. The chosen bible passages were read directly by either the principal or another school employee over the school’s intercom.
Outcome: FFRF was informed that the practice was ended on March 20.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
The Indian Creek School District also will not be imposing religion on its students after FFRF received a report on a serious First Amendment violation.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that Indian Creek Middle School had been allowing a local pastor onto its campus during the school day to proselytize to students. The pastor and president of the Valley Youth Network, which says it seeks “to reach out to area students with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” was proselytizing to students every Friday during lunch. Line wrote to the district on March 9, informing it that it is unconstitutional to offer religious leaders access to befriend and proselytize to students on school property during the school day.
The district responded on March 16, telling FFRF that the district would ensure that the pastor would not lead or attend student group activities or proselytize to students.
FFRF initially wrote in early March to Indian Creek School District about a March 19 event at Hills Elementary School in Wintersville, Ohio, where representatives from Samaritan’s Feet were scheduled to give shoes and socks to students and then wash the students’ feet.
The washing of feet is a ritual steeped in religious significance, FFRF pointed out. The act is modeled after John 13:1–17 in the New Testament, in which Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and instructs them to wash each other’s feet. Samaritan’s Feet is a Christian missionary organization.
If the district allowed these outside adults to have this “spiritual” interaction with students, then Samaritan’s Feet would have essentially bought access, at a school-sponsored event, to proselytize the children in the district’s care, FFRF underlined.
“It is well settled that public schools may not advance or promote religion,” Line wrote to Superintendent T.C. Chappelear. “In Lee, the Supreme Court extended the prohibition of school-sponsored religious activities beyond the classroom to all school functions, holding prayers at public high school graduations an impermissible establishment of religion. Even if this shoe giveaway takes place outside the normal school day, it still violates the Constitution as a school-sponsored religious activity.”
The district cancelled the event as a result of FFRF’s reasoning.
The Indian Creek School District also will not be imposing religion on its students after FFRF received a report on a serious First Amendment violation.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that Indian Creek Middle School had been allowing a local pastor onto its campus during the school day to proselytize to students. The pastor and president of the Valley Youth Network, which says it seeks “to reach out to area students with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” was proselytizing to students every Friday during lunch. Line wrote to the district on March 9, informing it that it is unconstitutional to offer religious leaders access to befriend and proselytize to students on school property during the school day.
The district responded on March 16, telling FFRF that the district would ensure that the pastor would not lead or attend student group activities or proselytize to students.
FFRF have ended unconstitutional prayers in the Sidney, Ohio, school district.
After receiving multiple complaints that Sidney City Schools was regularly scheduling and promoting prayer at school-sponsored events and activities, FFRF took action to end the violations.
It was reported that the district’s football coach had been leading his team in prayer for the past decade, and that there is scheduled prayer at graduation and other school events. The local newspaper reported that in March, Sidney City Schools invited a religious leader from Sidney First Methodist Church to lead students in prayer at two school assemblies. Line wrote to the district on March 21 informing it that such conduct is unlawful.
The district responded that day in an email assuring FFRF that future assemblies will not include prayer.
Where: Star Valley and Green River high schools.
Violation: Football coaches from both teams knelt with students in the field and prayed for injured players.
Outcome: A legal representative of the district responded on March 14, informing FFRF that all coaches in the district were reminded to avoid involvement in team prayer.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: University of Louisville.
Violation: The women’s basketball coach, Jeff Waltz, was leading his players in the Lord’s Prayer.
Outcome: On March 14, the university responded assuring FFRF that the coaches and staff had been reminded that team prayer must be voluntary and student-led.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Rebecca Markert.
Where: University of Louisville.
Violation: The women’s basketball coach, Jeff Waltz, was leading his players in the Lord’s Prayer.
Outcome: On March 14, the university responded assuring FFRF that the coaches and staff had been reminded that team prayer must be voluntary and student-led.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Rebecca Markert.
Where: Star Valley and Green River high schools.
Violation: Football coaches from both teams knelt with students in the field and prayed for injured players.
Outcome: A legal representative of the district responded on March 14, informing FFRF that all coaches in the district were reminded to avoid involvement in team prayer.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Youth Elementary School in Monroe.
Violation: A kindergarten teacher had been teaching her students that God lives up in heaven, that Christmas is God’s birthday and that Jesus is the boss of everybody.
Outcome: Superintendent Nathan Franklin responded to FFRF on March 12, writing that the violation had been resolved.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Youth Elementary School in Monroe.
Violation: A kindergarten teacher had been teaching her students that God lives up in heaven, that Christmas is God’s birthday and that Jesus is the boss of everybody.
Outcome: Superintendent Nathan Franklin responded to FFRF on March 12, writing that the violation had been resolved.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
After hearing from FFRF, a Minnesota county on March 5 removed a Ten Commandments plaque that was long on display in one of its courthouses.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that Saint Louis County was prominently displaying a plaque that contained the Ten Commandments and a bible passage underneath the Saint Louis County seal in the county courthouse in Hibbing, Minn.
The plaque read, “God’s Laws,” with the commandments listed underneath and the biblical passage: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, you shall love your neighbor as yourself” . . . Mark 12:30-31.
FFRF wrote to County Administrator Kevin Gray, warning the county that Ten Commandments displays within or near courtrooms unconstitutionally affiliate the justice system with biblical prohibitions rather than secular law.
“Given the content of the display, a reasonable observer would view it as an endorsement of religion,” wrote FFRF Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott. “The display directly connects Saint Louis County and the district court with Christianity.”
The Saint Louis County attorney’s office notified FFRF that the plaque had been removed.
“After careful consideration, a determination was made to remove the plaque from public display,” Gray said in a public statement. “As you might presume, the law and norms have developed considerably since the plaque was initially installed decades ago. The county attorney’s office researched applicable law, including relevant federal Supreme Court decisions on this topic, which contributed to the decision to direct property management to remove the plaque earlier this week.”
Kelly Grinsteinner of the Hibbing (Minn.) Daily Tribune asked Dana Kazel, St. Louis County communications manager, whether the county had received much feedback from the public on the topic.
“We don’t have an exact number because different people are contacting different offices or individuals, but it hasn’t been a huge amount,” Kazel to Grinsteinner. “We’ve also received several inquiries from people asking if they can have the plaque to display.”
After the plaque was removed from the courthouse walls, St. Louis County Commissioner Michael Jugovich, whose office is in the courthouse, attached it to his office wall.
“We want people to come take a look at it,” Jugovich told Grinsteinner. “We understand that this might not be their first choice, but it’s still in the building it belongs in. People should have the opportunity to see it. It looks good here, and we believe in the message it conveys.”
FFRF has filed an open records request into the issue and will be following up on the case.
FFRF has remedied unconstitutional Christian proselytization at a South Carolina high school.
In December, Fox Creek High School in Columbia, S.C., held an assembly for all boys in the school in response to vandalism incidents. A school janitorial staff member — who is also a minister — spoke during the assembly and led all students in a long Christian prayer. The prayer was allegedly offered “in Jesus Christ’s name” and made specific reference to a bible passage relating to spreading god’s word. The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down school-sponsored prayer time and again.
FFRF Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott wrote to South Carolina Public School District on Dec. 27, reminding it of its constitutional obligation to refrain from advancing or endorsing religion. On March 5, an attorney for the district responded informing FFRF that the principal of the school had reviewed the legal issues related to prayer in public schools with school staff and made a commitment that unconstitutional prayer would not be permitted in the future.
After hearing from FFRF, a Minnesota county on March 5 removed a Ten Commandments plaque that was long on display in one of its courthouses.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that Saint Louis County was prominently displaying a plaque that contained the Ten Commandments and a bible passage underneath the Saint Louis County seal in the county courthouse in Hibbing, Minn.
The plaque read, "God's Laws," with the commandments listed underneath and the biblical passage: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, you shall love your neighbor as yourself" . . . Mark 12:30-31.
FFRF wrote to County Administrator Kevin Gray, warning the county that Ten Commandments displays within or near courtrooms unconstitutionally affiliate the justice system with biblical prohibitions rather than secular law.
"Given the content of the display, a reasonable observer would view it as an endorsement of religion," wrote FFRF Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott. "The display directly connects Saint Louis County and the district court with Christianity."
The Saint Louis County attorney's office notified FFRF that the plaque had been removed.
"After careful consideration, a determination was made to remove the plaque from public display," Gray said in a public statement. "As you might presume, the law and norms have developed considerably since the plaque was initially installed decades ago. The county attorney's office researched applicable law, including relevant federal Supreme Court decisions on this topic, which contributed to the decision to direct property management to remove the plaque earlier this week."
Kelly Grinsteinner of the Hibbing (Minn.) Daily Tribune asked Dana Kazel, St. Louis County communications manager, whether the county had received much feedback from the public on the topic.
"We don't have an exact number because different people are contacting different offices or individuals, but it hasn't been a huge amount," Kazel to Grinsteinner. "We've also received several inquiries from people asking if they can have the plaque to display."
After the plaque was removed from the courthouse walls, St. Louis County Commissioner Michael Jugovich, whose office is in the courthouse, attached it to his office wall.
"We want people to come take a look at it," Jugovich told Grinsteinner. "We understand that this might not be their first choice, but it's still in the building it belongs in. People should have the opportunity to see it. It looks good here, and we believe in the message it conveys."
FFRF has filed an open records request into the issue and will be following up on the case.
After a concerned parent contacted FFRF about religious promotion at a school in Mendenhall, Miss., action was taken to remedy the violation.
It was reported that the principal of Mendenhall Jr. High School used a recorded message before the start of the school year to invite district families to join him at the school for a prayer walk and to ask that everyone pray for the upcoming school year. The school also advertised the prayer walk event on its homepage. FFRF wrote to Simpson County School District on Aug. 31 to ensure that it did not allow its employees to organize or participate in future religious events in their roles as district representatives.
“Prayer walks unconstitutionally entangle school personnel with an exclusively religious message,” wrote FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover to Superintendent Greg Paes.
Paes responded on Feb. 28, informing FFRF that no plans would be made for religious events going forward nor would such events be posted on the school website.
FFRF has reminded a Michigan school of its obligation not to promote or endorse religion after being alerted that a teacher at Bad Axe High School was hosting a Christian “breakfast club” in her classroom every Thursday morning.
A Facebook page for the club, which was managed by two teachers in the Bad Axe Public Schools district, described the weekly meetings as “Food for your bellies and food for the soul!” (The page was also used to promote other youth-oriented Christian events.) Students were enticed to attend the meetings with free food in exchange for exposure to Christian teachings. FFRF Robert E. Ingersoll Legal Fellow Colin McNamara wrote to the district on Nov. 28 asking that it immediately remove the group from Bad Axe High School.
An attorney representing the district responded on Feb. 28, writing that the superintendent had reminded participants of the club that the meetings must be student initiated and led.
FFRF has gotten a brazenly religious work of art removed from a North Carolina courthouse.
A Cleveland County resident informed FFRF that a large painting had been installed in the main corridor of the Cleveland County Courthouse depicting a Latin cross and an ichthys, also known as the Jesus fish. The Elizabeth Baptist Church donated the piece.
The religious significance of the Latin cross is unambiguous and indisputable, FFRF reminded county officials, since an overwhelming majority of federal courts agree that the Latin cross universally represents the Christian religion — and only the Christian religion.
“The Supreme Court has long recognized that the First Amendment ‘mandates governmental neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion,’” FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to Cleveland County last November. “Displaying paintings that promote Christianity fails to respect either constitutional mandate of neutrality. A majority of federal courts have held displays of Latin crosses on public property to be an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.”
Plus, this painting conveyed a message to the nearly 30 percent of Americans who are not Christian, including the 23 percent of Americans who are not religious, that they’re not “favored members of the political community,” to quote the U.S. Supreme Court. The cross’ exclusionary effect made non-Christian and nonbelieving residents of Cleveland County political outsiders, FFRF asserted.
FFRF requested the county to immediately take down the painting from the Cleveland County Courthouse. County officials have acceded to the request.
“The large painting in the main corridor of the Cleveland County Courthouse that depicts a Latin cross and fish has been removed from the location inside the courthouse,” the county recently replied.
FFRF is appreciative of the move.
“It’s gratifying that once we enlightened Cleveland County officials, they took out such obviously Christian artwork from a judicial building that serves a secular purpose — and the needs of a religiously diverse population,” says FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor.
FFRF has ensured that a coach at a school in Bayminatte, Ala., will no longer be leading his team in prayer.
FFRF was informed that this past September, a football player was injured during an Elberta High School football game. Following the injury, Coach Kenny Thomason called all of the players to the sideline, asked them to remove their helmets and demanded that they “take a knee” while he led them in prayer. FFRF notified Baldwin County Public Schools on Sept. 12 that Thomason’s actions were inexcusable.
“Coaches may not use an injury as an opportunity to force students to participate in a religious exercise,” wrote FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line to Superintendent Eddie Tyler. “It is illegal for public school athletic coaches to lead their teams in prayer.”
The district responded on Feb. 21 to inform FFRF that the coaching staff had been reminded of their constitutional obligation not to pray with players.
FFRF has remedied a constitutional violation taking place within an Oklahoma City school district.
It was reported to FFRF by a concerned area resident that Putnam City High School had been including religion in its football program. The Rev. Mike Keahbone was allegedly leading the team in prayers. Keahbone had explained that his goal, in coordination with his church, was to proselytize players, having stated, “If the Lord opens the door, we’ll share the Gospel with them.”
In a letter sent to City Schools Superintendent Fred Rhodes, FFRF informed the district that it can neither allow a non-school adult access to the children in its charge nor can it grant that access to a religious speaker seeking to proselytize students.
“Public school football teams cannot appoint or employ a chaplain, seek out a spiritual leader for the team or agree to have a volunteer team chaplain, because public schools may not advance or promote religion,” wrote FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Chris Line. “Similarly, it is illegal for a public school or school-appointed volunteer to organize, sponsor or lead prayers at public high school athletic events.”
FFRF emphasized that school endorsement of Christianity is particularly troubling given that almost half of young Americans are non-Christian. FFRF requested that the district end the chaplaincy program and take action to stop coaches and other school representatives from organizing, leading or participating in prayers with student athletes.
A legal representative of Putnam City Schools recently informed FFRF that the district had investigated the incident and discovered that Keahbone had been allowed into the team’s locker room to interact with students and offer prayer. FFRF was assured that new procedures had been put into place and that the athletic staff has been instructed that the practice of allowing access to students and engaging in prayer before any game would cease immediately.
“Religion is divisive and has no place in a football team locker room,” says FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “We’re pleased that the school district has taken corrective action to honor their students’ rights of conscience and create a more inclusive team atmosphere.”
A concerned parent reported to FFRF that a bus driver for Helen M. Knight Elementary School, part of the Grand County School District on Moab, Utah, passed out proselytizing gifts to students on her bus. The gifts included candy and bookmarks with bible quotes on them. These presents came from “Scripture Candy,” a company that wraps candy in scriptures, which it advertises as “a great way to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to the district on Dec. 19 to ensure that its bus drivers do not proselytize students on their buses. Line underlined that public school bus drivers are agents of the school district and are subject to the same constitutional restrictions as other district staff and may not legally promote Christian or other religious messages to students.
On Feb. 16, FFRF received word that the district had investigated the issue and that action had been taken to rectify the violation.
Thanks to FFRF, religious messages have been removed from a Florida school. It was brought to FFRF’s attention that plaques had been posted in all school buildings in the Dixie County Schools District listing four district goals, the last of which is to “Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. Ephesians 6:7.”
FFRF wrote to the district on July 25 explaining that courts have continually held that school districts may not display religious messages or iconography in public schools.
“While the display of plaques containing bible verses in a public school would be constitutionally prohibited under any circumstance, the DCSD’s plaques are especially egregious because the displayed bible language is portrayed as official school policy,” wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel.
An attorney representing Dixie District Schools responded on Feb. 15, informing FFRF that the religious signage had been removed by the school.
A concerned family member of a student of Wichita Falls Independent School District in Irving, Texas, reported to FFRF that there was a prominent display advertising the Good News Club — a religious club — in Fain Elementary School. The advertisement indicated that the club has scheduled meetings within the school each Tuesday.
FFRF wrote to the district informing it that it violated the U.S. Constitution if religious clubs were being granted special access to advertise to students and families.
“As you are aware, it is a well-settled constitutional principle that public schools may not advance, prefer, or promote religion,” wrote FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover.
An attorney representing the district responded on Feb. 19 assuring FFRF that the Good News Club would not be granted special access to advertising.
FFRF gets cancellation of graduation invocation
FFRF has ended unconstitutional invocations at a California high school.
A community member reported to FFRF that the Wasco Union High School graduation program had included an invocation in 2017. FFRF Associate Counsel Elizabeth Cavell wrote to Wasco Union High School District Superintendent Lori Albrecht on Jan. 19, warning the district that the Supreme Court has struck down prayers at school-sponsored events time and again — including public school graduations.
FFRF was informed on Feb. 13 that the district will not be including an invocation as part of its 2018 commencement program.
FFRF has protected students’ rights of conscience at a New Jersey high school. A student reported to FFRF that an East Brunswick High School teacher singled the student out to talk about why they were not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, and threatened to report the student to the grade level administrator for not standing.
In a letter sent on Oct. 30, FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler informed the district that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that compelling a student to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance infringes upon students’ First Amendment rights.
A legal representative of the district responded on Feb. 12 assuring FFRF that all school staff members, including the specific staff member who had committed the violation, are not legally required to participate in the pledge.
It was reported to FFRF that a teacher at a Texas elementary school was regularly quoting bible verses to his students. At Stafford Elementary’s fourth-grade graduation ceremony last June, the teacher allegedly took the microphone and announced that he regularly was telling his students that “they can do all things through Christ.”
FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover wrote to Stafford Municipal School District Superintendent Robert Bostic on Jan. 30, reminding the district that public school teachers may not endorse religion to students.
“The Supreme Court has continually struck down bible promotion and other forms of proselytization in public schools,” wrote Grover.
FFRF was informed on Feb. 12 by an attorney representing the school district that the violation was addressed with the teacher and that the school principal planned to address the issue with the entire school staff during an upcoming meeting.
A concerned parent of a Bentonville Public Schools student informed FFRF that a woman, Esther Seim, was leading a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group for students of Osage Creek Elementary School and Creekside Middle School in Bentonville, Ark. FCA was reportedly organized and run entirely by Seim, who was advertising the group to fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, whom she bribed to attend with food, games, prizes and “new friends.”
Seim vocalized her intentions for the group, saying it existed for “spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in our public school community.”
FFRF Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott wrote to the district on Oct. 25 warning against the public school’s unconstitutional appearance of endorsing religion over nonreligion by showing preferential treatment to an outside religious club.
An attorney for the district confirmed on Feb. 9 that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes had been discontinued.
FFRF has reminded a Louisiana school district of its legal obligation to refrain from promoting religion.
A concerned Ouachita Parish School System member contacted FFRF to report that East Ouachita Middle School in Monroe, La., hosted a “See You at the Pole” event — a Christian-oriented prayer rally organized each year around a bible verse — last fall.
The event included adults playing live music, prayer by an adult and participation by school faculty — including the principal. Additionally, FFRF was informed that a pastor from an area church that has “adopted” East Ouachita Middle School was permitted to deliver a Christian prayer last August at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the school.
FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Don Coker on Oct. 26, asking that district staff cease scheduling and advertising religious events, or allowing outside adults to participate in religious events on campus with students. Grover also pointed out that no school-sponsored event can include clergy-led prayer.
The district responded on Feb. 7, notifying FFRF that the East Ouachita Middle School principal was reminded that school employees may not participate in student events such as “See You at the Pole.”
The school administrative staff has also been cautioned against promoting personal religious beliefs to students.
A concerned resident reported to FFRF that Palm Beach County in Florida had been displaying Latin crosses on its fire trucks and ambulances to commemorate fallen firefighters and EMTs. FFRF wrote to the county on Jan. 19 emphasizing that while it has no objection to memorializing emergency responders, it is unlawful for a county government to display patently religious symbols.
“Our objection is to the message of endorsement of religion over nonreligion,” wrote FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Chris Line. “These crosses send a message to minority religions and nonreligious emergency responders that their service is less valuable than that of their Christian co-workers.”
An attorney representing Palm Beach County responded on Feb. 6 informing FFRF that the fire rescue squad would be removing the cross stickers from their emergency vehicles.
FFRF stopped constitutional violations that nearly took place in three high schools in a Florida school district. It was reported to FFRF that the Gainesville High School, Eastside High School and Buchholtz High School football teams were scheduled to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football camp this summer.
The camp includes daily church services and its stated mission is to “present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.” Furthermore, the head football coach of Gainesville High School described the camp in part as a team building activity to “emphasize faith” and stated that “everyone can benefit from learning some Christian values and fellowship.” The coaching staff, and, occasionally, students were also leading the team in prayer before meals and coaches were leading the team in prayer before and after games.
FFRF Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel wrote to Alachua County Public Schools last year informing the district that the prayers and the camp were illegal. The district responded on Feb. 6, communicating to FFRF that the coaches of the teams have been instructed to refrain from any religious activity.
Where: Blair High School.
Violation: During an end-of-the-season banquet this past October, two cross country coaches delivered a Christian prayer as a blessing for the food.
Outcome: Blair Community Schools Superintendent Rex Pfei responded to FFRF’s concern on Feb. 5, reporting that he had addressed the banquet prayer violation and educated the coaches and school administrators on the law.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Rome High School.
Violation: The school’s marching band chose a Christian worship theme for 2017. The performance was called “Alleluia!” It featured stained-glass church windows as props and included flags with the names of multiple books from the bible written on them. The musical selection included biblically inspired songs.
Outcome: Rome City Schools notified FFRF that, because of FFRF’s involvement, the marching band has since modified its halftime performance to remove the religious props and add in secular music.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Violation: A county Circuit Court judge was conducting a Christian church service in the county juvenile detention facility. He is one of only two juvenile court judges in the county, and many of the children in the facility are serving a sentence that the judge imposed.
Outcome: On Jan. 31, the judge called McNamara to report that he agreed with FFRF’s concerns and would no longer be involved in preaching in the juvenile facility. (See page 3 for story.)
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Auburndale.
Violation: The mayor’s office held an event for the National Day of Prayer at the Auburndale Civic Center. The city organized the event, distributed advertisement flyers and sold tickets.
Outcome: In a response received Jan. 30, the city assured FFRF that it would refrain from organizing and promoting the National Day of Prayer in the future.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel.
Violation: The school’s marching band had been issued T-shirts featuring a white staircase ascending to heaven with the words “Lifted” above “Amarillo High School Band 2017-2018.”
Outcome: On Jan. 29, FFRF received word that the district had complied with its request to investigate the situation and remove the religious shirts from use.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Where: Smith-Hale Middle School in Kansas City.
Violation: A seventh-grade science teacher was reportedly teaching creationism.
Outcome: Superintendent Yolanda Cargile replied to FFRF: “All teachers are expected to teach prescribed curriculum and are not allowed to develop and teach curriculum outside of what has been approved by the school district. The test questions you highlighted in your letter are not aligned with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards and consequently are not acceptable and will not be utilized in our schools.”
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Sunray Independent School District.
Violation: The district hosted a Christmas open house that featured elaborate holiday-themed wall decorations throughout the building, including hallway walls and classroom doors.
Outcome: Superintendent Marshall Harrison recently responded, assuring FFRF that Sunray ISD employees will be briefed on not promoting religion.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Where: Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tenn.
Violation: Prayers were being broadcasted over the loudspeaker prior to football games.
Outcome: The district attorney responded by phone on Jan. 21 informing FFRF that he told the athletic board he would be retraining school administrators regarding their constitutional duty to remain neutral on matters of religion.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Woodmont High School in Greenville, South Carolina.
Violation: The school had scheduled “worship night” on a Sunday evening as part of “spirit week” activities. The event had been coordinated and promoted by school staff members.
Outcome: On Jan. 19, an attorney representing the school district informed FFRF that the event had been canceled.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Violation: The college displayed numerous crosses in public spaces, including the main reception area of the school’s student center and in several offices.
Outcome: College President Kelvin Sharp recently responded, informing FFRF that the violations had been addressed and the crosses have come down.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: East Alton-Wood River High School in Wood River.
Violation: Football coaches were regularly participating in prayers with their students. A Facebook post from this past September pictured several coaches praying during a football game with players from both East Alton-Wood River and Dupo high schools with the caption, “E. Alton Woodriver asked our boys (Dupo) to pray with them after the game.”
Outcome: Superintendent John Pearson responded on Jan. 19, informing FFRF that the coaching staff would be told that participating in prayer with players is a constitutional violation.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Staff Attorney Ryan D. Jayne.
FFRF has remedied several state/church violations within a Missouri public school after receiving multiple complaints from area residents regarding school employees at Buffalo High School promoting religion.
It was reported that the band director of the school’s marching band included a bible verse on the official band T-shirts in the past. Last year, T-shirts for the Buffalo High School girls’ basketball team also included a bible verse. Furthermore, a parent reported that in recent years there have been prayers given over the loudspeaker before Buffalo High School football games.
FFRF wrote to the Dallas County R-1 School District on Jan. 9, informing Superintendent Timothy Ryan that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for schools to promote a religious message to students, or to sponsor religious messages at school athletic events.
On Jan. 19, Ryan responded, informing FFRF that the district would perform an investigation into the alleged violations to ensure they would not recur.
Where: Des Moines County.
Violation: The County Board of Supervisors was planning to vote on waiving a property tax exemption deadline for Harmony Bible Church. (It was also reported that Board Chairman Bob Beck said, “I’ve never gotten in trouble for saying it, but I wish our judges would hand out statements saying instead of going to jail, you have to take your family and go to Sunday school.”)
Outcome: After receiving FFRF’s letter, it was reported by local media that the county board canceled its vote because it no longer believed that it had the authority to ignore the deadline.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Ryan D. Jayne.
Where: Dominion High School in Ashburn, Virginia.
Violation: The school was regularly listing the worship services of Grace Covenant Church on the school calendar of events.
Outcome: The district responded on Jan. 16 informing FFRF that church services were removed from the school calendar of events.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Violation: An individual within Hopkins County Schools handed out bibles to students at the middle school during lunch.
Outcome: An attorney representing the school district informed FFRF in a response on Jan. 11 that steps had been taken to ensure that there would be no more handing out of bibles in the future.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Christopher Line.
Where: Dixie School District in San Rafael.
Violation: The district was planning a field trip for all its fifth-graders to Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds, a religious location. The management of the site states that its mission is to provide a place “where our guests meet the Creator in his Creation.” The organization touts itself as “the perfect way to reconnect with God.”
Outcome: District Superintendent Jason Yamashiro replied to FFRF: “Thank you for your letter, and both the research and intent behind it. Our team has discussed the content and decided not to attend Alliance Redwoods.”
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Associate Counsel Elizabeth Cavell.
Where: Celina High School.
Violation: The high school football team and its coaching staff prayed with the St. Mary’s High School football team after a game this past fall. Celina High School’s head coach, Brennen Bader, encouraged his players to participate.
Outcome: On Jan. 10, an attorney representing the district informed FFRF that the violation would not be repeated.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Colin McNamara.
Where: Cocalico and Solanco school districts in Lancaster County.
Violation: After a football game between the two schools this past November, the coaches gathered their teams together in the middle of the field to say a prayer.
Outcome: FFRF was informed on Jan. 9 that the Cocalico athletic director sent a letter to district coaches, noting that as employees of a public school system, they may not participate in prayer at an athletic event.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Legal Intake Attorney Madeline Ziegler.
Violation: A nativity scene, which was visible from the city’s main street, consisted of wooden cutouts depicting bible characters Jesus, Mary and Joseph. There was also a star and sign, which quoted a bible passage.
Outcome: Mayor Frank Seman responded on Jan. 9 expressing agreement that the nativity scene should not have been allowed on government property and that the city was already planning on better handling of holiday decorations for 2018.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Legal Director Rebecca Markert.
Where: Waitsburg High School.
Violation: The boys’ basketball coach, Matthew Wyatt, was shown in a Facebook post kneeling and bowing his head in prayer with the team. Wyatt posted the photo with the caption, “My favorite thing about practice each day.”
Outcome: The district responded on Jan. 8 reporting to FFRF that it had taken appropriate action to ensure that coaching staff is aware of the law and their obligation to remain religiously neutral.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Elizabeth Cavell.
Where: Washington Parish.
Violation: Sheriff Randy Seal regularly invoked Christian scripture in his official statements as sheriff, statements that were reflected on the Washington Parish Sheriff’s official Facebook page.
Outcome: The department’s legal counsel recently informed FFRF that the bible verses and highly religious posts have been deleted from the official Facebook page.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Andrew Seidel.
Where: Glen Rose High School in Malvern.
Violation: The high school used its official Facebook page to endorse the Christian-oriented prayer rally, “See You at the Pole,” that took place this past fall.
Outcome: On Jan. 8, Superintendent Tim Holicer informed FFRF that he had met with personnel responsible for the social media posts and addressed the First Amendment violation.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Robert Ingersoll Legal Fellow Colin McNamara.
Violation: Football players and coaches from the two schools recited the Lord’s Prayer at a game between the two schools this past fall.
Outcome: FFRF received a response from Gregory-Portland Independent School District Superintendent Paul Clore on Jan. 5, telling FFRF that administration would inform the district coaching staff that they should not lead, encourage, promote or participate in prayers with students.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Sam Grover.
Violation: An all-school assembly was held for the Christian evangelical group, the Todd Becker Foundation.
Outcome: An attorney representing the school district responded on Jan. 5, informing FFRF that there are no plans to hold a Todd Becker Foundation event in the future.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott.
Where: Opp High School in Opp.
Violation: A baccalaureate service was held in the auditorium and the school principal led the seniors in prayer during the service. Also, at the high school’s graduation ceremony, a prayer was listed on the graduation program and was delivered by a student.
Outcome: On Jan. 5, the district’s attorney responded, informing FFRF that the superintendent had instructed Opp City Schools faculty that there would be no school sponsored prayer or faculty involvement in future religious services.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Associate Counsel Sam Grover.
Violation: A kindergarten class was directed to cut, color and assemble a manger scene during the school day. It was reported that the school also instructed students on the myth of the biblical birth of Jesus Christ.
Outcome: In a response received on Jan. 2, Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Bondy Shay Gibson informed FFRF that the lesson plan and corresponding violation would be addressed with the staff to ensure future compliance with the First Amendment.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick Elliott.
Where: Palisade High School.
Violation: An invocation led by a pastor was scheduled for its 2018 graduation ceremony and the district was endorsing a baccalaureate service for graduating seniors.
Outcome: On Jan. 2, in a letter from an attorney representing the school district, FFRF was assured that Palisade High School would discontinue the invocation portion of its graduation ceremony and that the principal of the high school was reminded of the district’s policy regarding graduation exercises.
FFRF attorney who handled the case: Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Christopher Line.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that the Little Falls City Council in Minnesota was opening each year’s first meeting with a Christian prayer. Members of the Franciscan Sisters have given the opening invocation in 2016 and 2017, and have been exclusively been given the opportunity to do so.
On June 26, 2017, FFRF Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott wrote to Mayor Greg Zylaka informing him that the city must end the practice of having a Franciscan Sister give the yearly invocation because it creates the unlawful appearance that the city endorses Catholicism above other beliefs. Elliott noted that the nonreligious and members of minority religions should be permitted to deliver invocations. FFRF sent a follow-up letter on Dec. 15.
The city administrator responded on Dec. 28 informing FFRF that the city council would no longer place an invocation on the agenda for future council meetings.
FFRF has ended an annual unconstitutional religious event put on by a Colorado town.
Each year, the town of Gypsum was hosting a community worship event called “Praise in the Park” as part of its summer celebration, “Gypsum Daze.” The event included live performances of worship music from local area churches. The town’s website was advertising “Praise in the Park.”
In a letter sent on July 18, FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line informed Gypsum Town Manager Jeff Shroll that the town has a constitutional obligation to remain neutral toward religion, and that by organizing and promoting a worship event, Gypsum unlawfully entangles itself with religion. An attorney representing the town responded on Dec. 26, notifying FFRF that the town will not be participating in any future Praise in the Park programs.
FFRF got involved after being informed that the city of Buena Park, Calif., was hosting an annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.
Although a nonprofit organization was promoted as presenting the prayer breakfast, the city’s website was advertising the event and instructing the public to send RSVPs and payments for tickets to Buena Park City Hall and to call the Office of the City Manager phone number for more information about the religious event.
FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to the city clerk on Nov. 10, informing the city that the hosting of the prayer breakfast posed serious First Amendment violation concerns. Cavell asked that the city cease all sponsorship and organization of the event, and to disassociate Buena Park and the mayor’s office from the event.
The city attorney responded on Dec. 22 indicating that Buena Park would be handing over more responsibility to the nonprofit organization and discontinuing the city promotion and ticket sales. The city also plans to change the name of the event.
On Aug. 17, FFRF wrote to the Tooele County School District in Utah over unconstitutional promotion of religion by the district superintendent.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that at the 2017 annual and mandatory meeting the district has at the beginning of its school year, Superintendent Scott Rogers talked about the importance of prayer and how it is necessary in education.
He then invited a pastor up on to the podium to deliver a Christian prayer. FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to Rogers warning him against the unconstitutional endorsement of Christianity.
An attorney representing the school district responded on Dec. 20 informing FFRF that Rogers had been advised against having prayer at future meetings.
FFRF was assured that Rogers indicated he would comply with the district policy and constitutional mandate against promoting prayer.
After receiving multiple reports from concerned parents that a Kentucky public elementary school was promoting religion to its students, FFRF got involved. It was brought to FFRF’s attention that a teacher at Valley Elementary School in Pikeville, Ky., was requiring students to say a prayer while they lined up for lunch: “God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our food. By his grace we are fed. Thank him for our daily bread.”
Additionally, another parent reported to FFRF that as part of a Christmas party, the school planned to take its second-grade students to see “The Star,” a Christian adventure comedy retelling the nativity of Jesus. The plot of the film follows the biblical account of the birth of Jesus.
FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to an attorney representing Pike County Schools on Dec. 14, informing him that public school teachers may not lead their students in prayer, encourage prayer or otherwise endorse religion to students. Line also warned the district that bringing public school students on a field trip to a Christian movie as part of a Christmas party is a blatant and unconstitutional promotion of Christianity.
An attorney informed FFRF in a Dec. 19 phone call that he would discuss the violations with the principal of the school to ensure that the teacher stops praying and that the district makes lawful movie choices in the future.
A concerned parent reported to FFRF that the principal of Oskaloosa Junior/Senior High School in Kansas had led students, parents and faculty in a prayer at the 2017 Fall Athletic Banquet, which was held to recognize all of the students who were in sports and activities for the fall semester. Additionally, it was reported that the school’s Veterans Day event included prayer.
In a letter sent on Dec. 15 to Oskaloosa Public Schools Superintendent Jon Pfau, FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line informed the district that it is unlawful for any school-sponsored event to include prayer.
Pfau called Line on Dec. 18 assuring FFRF that there will be no more school-sponsored prayer in the future.
After it was reported to FFRF that a second-grade teacher at Ashford Elementary School in Alabama was leading her students in daily prayer before lunch, FFRF took action.
FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to Houston County Schools Superintendent David Sewell on Dec. 4 to remind the district that public school teachers may not lead their students in prayer or otherwise endorse religion to students.
A response was received on Dec. 6 from Sewell informing FFRF that employees had been notified of their obligation to abide by federal and state laws regarding the separation of church and state.
It was brought to FFRF’s attention that the city of Newberry, S.C., was regularly sponsoring a Christian “Bibles and Badges” bible study. The studies were being held in city facilities and the city was listed on social media as the meeting host. The city’s official Facebook page was promoting the bible studies, which repeatedly included calls for members of the public to attend.
On Nov. 22, FFRF Senior Counsel Patrick Elliott wrote to Mayor Foster Senn, informing him that hosting and promoting a Christian bible study fails to respect the First Amendment’s mandate that the government remain religiously neutral by endorsing Christianity over all other faiths and no faith.
FFRF received a letter on Dec. 5 from Senn, in which he wrote that the Bibles and Badges group was no longer meeting and that the city Facebook site will no longer list meeting notices of the group.
A concerned student contacted FFRF to report that students and staff at Christian County High School in Kentucky had participated in a See You at the Pole event on school property in September 2017, during which staff led students in prayer. Additionally, FFRF learned that a teacher at the school had been preaching Christianity to his students.
See You at the Pole is a Christian-oriented prayer rally organized each year around a bible verse. FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote to Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill on Nov. 7, informing her that by advertising the event, the high school created the appearance that the district unconstitutionally endorses the event’s Christian message.
Furthermore, Markert informed Gemmill that it is illegal for a teacher to proselytize to students. Public schools have a duty to ensure that their teachers are not encouraging religion in their classrooms and must not promote a particular religious viewpoint with their curriculum.
A legal representative of the district responded on Dec. 5 assuring FFRF that the violation had been discussed with the principal of the school and the teacher and would not occur again.
An Ohio public school will not be promoting religion in the future after a concerned parent reported to FFRF that Big Walnut High School was participating in “Operation Christmas Child,” a Christian ministry the school had been participating in for 25 years.
FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to Superintendent Angela Pollock on Nov. 2, informing her that the school district violated the constitution by taking part in a charity project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse — a religious organization.
On Dec. 3, Pollock informed FFRF that, while the program had already concluded, the students and staff would brainstorm new options for the future to ensure they would be compliant with constitutional obligations to keep religion out of school.
Religious decor is no longer on display in Ricardo Elementary School in Kingsville, Texas, thanks to FFRF. Action was taken after FFRF received a complaint from a concerned parent that a wreath with a Latin cross on it was hanging on the school's office door.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the district superintendent asking that the district investigate the situation and ensure that its employees were not impermissibly promoting personal religious beliefs while acting on behalf of the district.
A legal representative of the school district informed FFRF on Nov. 20 that the wreath had been taken down.
A parent of a student in the Weatherford Independent School District in Texas reported to FFRF that a religious club called "Kids Beach Club" was permitted to set up a table to advertise during a recent open house event at Crockett Elementary.
The table had information, fliers and a banner reading, "Make Jesus Cool at School." The club describes itself as a ministry "established to mobilize the church to go outside its walls in order to take the message of Christ in into the heart of its community."
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Jeffrey Hanks in a Nov. 7 legal letter.
"It should not be abused by outside organizations as an opportunity to proselytize children and promote private clubs to families, many of whom do not subscribe to Kids Beach Club's religious message," Grover stated.
A legal representative of the school district responded on Nov. 20, saying the district had retrained its administrative staff on board policies.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that Summer Creek High School in Houston hosted a "prayer walk" on Sept. 10 at the school to commemorate its recent merger with Kingwood High School. The official Summer Creek High School page had promoted the event under the slogan "Two Schools. One God."
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the school district on Oct. 11, informing the district that prayer walks entangle public schools with a religious message.
An attorney representing the district responded on Oct. 23, informing FFRF that the two Facebook posts advertising the event were removed from the Summer Creek High School newsfeed and that action had been taken by administrators to address the violation.
Standing up for a right to remain seated
A concerned student contacted FFRF to report that teachers within Earl Warren High School in San Antonio had been singling out students who chose not to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance and forcing them to stand during the recitation. FFRF wrote on Nov. 10 asking the district to tell its employees that they cannot force students to observe the pledge.
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Administration Stephen Daniel responded on Nov. 17, saying the situation would be resolved immediately.
A local patron of Johnny Brusco's New York Style Pizza in Bentonville, Ark., informed FFRF that the restaurant was offering and promoting a 10 percent discount on Sundays to customers presenting a church bulletin.
FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to the manager to inform him that the deal favored religious customers and denied customers who did not attend church the right to "full and equal" enjoyment of the pizza joint, a violation of the Civil Rights Act. The discount also violated Arkansas state law.
FFRF received a phone call on Nov. 17 from the manager, who communicated that the discount was not being offered anymore.
FFRF has stopped some Oklahoma middle school kids from being forced to regularly listen to Christian music during the school day.
A concerned parent informed FFRF that teachers at Adair Middle School in Adair, Okla., were playing Christian music during class. One teacher reportedly played KXOJ, the local Christian radio station, whenever students were working on assignments and she wasn't actively teaching. Another teacher occasionally played Christian music in class and sang along with it.
It is inappropriate for a public school teacher to promote religion during class, FFRF informed Adair Public Schools.
"Federal courts have consistently rejected the promotion of religious viewpoints in the classroom," FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line wrote to Adair Public Schools Superintendent Mark Lippe.
FFRF emphasized that public school teachers should be inclusive of all students, particularly considering that about 35 percent of young Americans, those born after 1981, are religiously unaffiliated, while more than 43 percent are non-Christian. Demonstrating a religious preference to students is fraught with legal and moral peril, including the risk of ostracizing students, which may lead to bullying, FFRF underlined.
FFRF requested that the district take appropriate steps to ensure that the two teachers weren't impermissibly promoting religion to students by broadcasting Christian music and recommended that the district remind its staff that they must refrain from promoting their personal religious beliefs to students.
The school district took FFRF's recommendations seriously and moved accordingly.
"It is the policy of Adair Public Schools that no sectarian or religious doctrine shall be taught or inculcated into the curriculum or activities of the school," Lippe wrote back.
"During the middle school October staff meeting, the staff was trained on school policy concerning sectarian or religious doctrine in the curriculum or activities of the school. School employees will not utilize religious music in classrooms unless such use serves a pedagogical purpose related to a lesson plan in band or choir."
It was reported to FFRF that a principal at Little Axe Middle School in Norman, Okla., gave a Christian invocation at a staff dinner this past August asking Jesus "to inspire" the new teachers. FFRF was also informed that the school's baseball coach had given out team luggage name tags with bible verses on them. FFRF wrote to Superintendent Jay Thomas, reminding the district that, as a government entity, it has a constitutional obligation to remain neutral toward religion. Both the Christian invocation and the coach's promotion of a religious message on district athletic equipment had endorsed religion over nonreligion.
FFRF received a letter from the superintendent on Nov. 14 indicating that instructions had been given to all athletes to remove the bible verse tags and that all administration had been instructed to not allow prayer in any future district sponsored events.
FFRF has had prayer struck from a performance at an Arkansas elementary school.
FFRF learned that students at Westside Elementary School in Jonesboro, Ark., were going to perform in a Thanksgiving-themed program with music and poetry. Students were sent home with a list of lyrics to memorize, including one assigned piece featuring a prayer that read:
"Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you, God, for everything."
FFRF took swift action to remedy this intermingling of secular schooling and religion. In a letter sent to the school district, FFRF asked that the prayer and any other religious messages be removed from the school's Thanksgiving performance.
Teaching a prayer to students is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause, and imposing a prayer as part of a holiday celebration is no defense, FFRF contended.
Furthermore, FFRF noted in its letter that inducing young and impressionable children to give thanks to God is a usurpation of parental authority. It is not a public school's role to direct a child's religious or nonreligious upbringing — that right is reserved for parents only.
"Such a practice alienates the students, teachers, and members of the community whose religious beliefs are inconsistent with the message being promoted by the school," wrote FFRF Robert G. Ingersoll Legal Fellow Colin McNamara to Superintendent Scott Gauntt. Gauntt responded promptly, informing FFRF that he had investigated the reported violation and, after finding it to be true, had the prayer removed from the program.
A couple of community members contacted FFRF to report that two constitutional violations took place within the Corpus Christi Independent School District. After a Miller High School football game in Corpus Christi, Texas, players and coaches had congregated in the middle of the field to recite the "Lord's Prayer."
FFRF was also informed that teachers at Woodlawn Elementary took students on a field trip to a pumpkin patch at Asbury United Methodist Church. After exploring the patch, the students were gathered for a proselytizing storytime session, led by a church volunteer who read books that included pictures of pumpkins decorated with the Latin cross and a "Jesus fish." Students were told that the cross represented Jesus, that Jesus died on the cross for everyone's sins, that Jesus is "our Messiah" and other Christian stories.
In a letter to the school district, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover warned the district superintendent against the constitutional violations.
On Nov. 13, a letter from a legal representative of the district informed FFRF that the principals and administrators had been reminded of the policies and laws of the school district.
FFRF was informed that a choir director for Loogootee middle and high schools in Indiana had been using her position to promote religion to students in the school’s choir program.
The program had been performing overwhelmingly Christian music and choir students were being required to sing in various churches. FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to Loogootee Community Schools Superintendent Chip Mehaffey on Nov. 10, requesting that the school district begin an immediate investigation into the violation.
Line informed Mehaffey that it was inappropriate for a public school teacher to teach songs of Christian worship and devotion in a public school setting. Additionally, Line noted, taking public school students to church strongly signals an unconstitutional endorsement of Christianity.
On Nov. 10, a legal representative of the district informed FFRF that the district will not make arrangements for students to perform at churches in the future and will ensure that outside performances arranged by the school will be performed in nonreligious venues. FFRF was also informed that the choir instructor had been told to make secular song choices.
After it was reported to FFRF that numerous constitutional violations were taking place at Chandler Junior High School in Chandler, Okla., action was promptly taken. FFRF was informed that the dress code — which had been posted by the school on Facebook — prohibits clothing or jewelry that suggested support of "Satanism." The school's principal reiterated this code to students. It was also reported to FFRF that a teacher in the school had a Latin cross on display in her classroom, and that the school was selling official school shirts with an image of a soldier kneeling before a Latin cross.
FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to the school district on Sept. 19, requesting that the constitutional violations cease. Line noted that displaying a Latin cross sends a message to students that the district endorses Christianity, as does selling shirts that depict prayer before a cross. This unlawfully entangles the school with a religious viewpoint. Line also informed the district that it is illegal to prohibit students from wearing a particular religion's symbols, such as satanic symbols.
The school district informed FFRF on Nov. 9 that the cross in the classroom has been removed, the T-shirts with a cross on them would not be required to be worn by band members and the dress code policy has been changed to comply with the Constitution.
FFRF learned that a football and track coach at Anna High School in Texas had participated in a See You at the Pole event on school property in September, which opened with prayer. Additionally, the school was advertising a See You at the Pole event in the banner of its webpage.
See You at the Pole is a Christian-oriented prayer rally organized each year around a bible verse. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Pete Slaughter on Oct. 27, informing him that the high school created the appearance that the district unconstitutionally endorses the event's Christian message. Furthermore, the coach's actions violated the Equal Access Act, which mandates that school staff may not participate in religious events with students.
Slaughter responded on Nov. 3 writing that he had addressed the violation with the coach.
It was reported to FFRF that Westside Elementary School in Jonesboro, Ark., hosted a presentation by a Christian minister this September in the school gymnasium.
During the presentation, the children were given rubber bracelets from the local Philadelphia Baptist Church that read, "PBC Living God, Serving Others, Go Warriors." At the end of the assembly, the children received free tickets to a pizza party and church services at PBC scheduled that same night.
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a letter on Oct. 18 to the school district superintendent informing the district that it is inappropriate to take away educational time from students to expose them to a Christian proselytizing group.
On Oct. 27, FFRF received a written promise from Superintendent Scott Gauntt that the violation would not recur and that additional training would be provided to building principals as to the law in public school and religion matters.
After a community member reported to FFRF that coaches for the Oktaha High School baseball team in Oktaha, Okla., had been praying with the team, FFRF's Patrick O'Reiley Legal Fellow Christopher Line wrote to Superintendent Jerry Needham to ensure that the district coaches end unlawful endorsements and promotions of religion to district students and employees.
Line informed Needham that public school athletic coaches cannot lead teams in prayer, encourage students to pray or participate in student-initiated prayer. On Oct. 23, an attorney representing the district responded to Line's letter, informing FFRF that Needham had spoken with all the coaches regarding the prayer violation and had instructed coaches not to participate in student prayers.
FFRF has equipped a coaching staff in a Michigan school district to have a better understanding of the First Amendment.
On Sept. 28, a prayer ritual was performed after a football player was injured in a game between Bay City High School and H.H. Dow High School in Bay City, Mich. Both teams and coaches took a knee at the 50-yard line while the athlete was given medical attention. Afterward, a "prayer circle" was formed as the players and coaching staff on both teams joined hands on the field.
FFRF sent a letter to Midland Public Schools on Oct. 11, in which FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert informed the school district that the coaching staff's conduct had been an unconstitutional endorsement and promotion of religion. Coaches can neither lead their teams in prayer nor can they organize students to lead team prayer.
On Oct. 17, Superintendent Michael Sharrow responded, informing FFRF that the staff had explained the law to the coaching staff and remedied the violation.
FFRF has ensured that public prayers will not be announced during football games in a Tennessee school district.
It was reported to FFRF that at the start of a football game at McEwen Junior High in Waverly, Tenn., a Christian prayer was delivered over the loudspeaker. FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote to the Humphreys County School District on Sept. 29, notifying the district that it is illegal for a public school to sponsor a religious message at school athletic events. Markert requested that immediate steps be taken to end the use of district resources to project prayer to the public.
On Oct. 13, the school district superintendent informed FFRF that the McEwen Junior High principal had addressed the issue with the school staff to ensure the violation would not recur.
A concerned parent informed FFRF that a football coach for Waukee High School in Waukee, Iowa, had instituted team prayer and devotionals.
The team's head coach, Scott Carlson, had been praying with the team before and after every game, and requested that players join him. Reportedly, at one recent away game, the players were instructed to "take a knee" in the end zone and join Carlson in a prayer before they could leave. Furthermore, it was reported that other members of the coaching staff hold religious devotional sessions prior to every game, and encourage members of the team to attend a weekly Christian youth outreach program, "Ignition."
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to the Waukee Community School District warning that public school employees may not organize and advocate for team prayer.
The school district superintendent responded on Oct. 11 notifying FFRF that the First Amendment violations had ended.
A Texas school district will comply with its constitutional duty to remain neutral in matters of religion after hearing from FFRF.
It was reported to FFRF that West Elementary School in Lubbock, Texas, had been advertising a private Christian-orientated prayer rally event, "See You at the Pole," on the school calendar. FFRF was also informed that the annual Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District staff convocation included a scheduled opening prayer.
On Sept. 27, FFRF wrote to a school district representative, Ann Manning, concerning the violations. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover asked that the district ensure that its schools cease scheduling "See You at the Pole," or other religious events, on campus. Grover also warned that the inclusion of prayer at staff training events violates the district's obligation to remain neutral on matters of religion.
On Oct. 11, Manning responded, informing FFRF that the district superintendent undertook a thorough investigation into the violation. FFRF was told that going forward no outside adults will participate in "See You at the Pole" events. Manning assured FFRF that in the future convocation procedures would be reviewed with appropriate changes made to ensure compliance with constitutional law.
FFRF was informed that Warwick Valley High School in Warwick, N.Y., was continuing to promote a baccalaureate service for graduating seniors that FFRF had raised constitutional concerns about in the past.
The Warwick Valley Central School District's official website and calendar promote the religious event. In an Oct. 5 letter, FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert warned the district that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits public schools from sponsoring any type of religious practice, and baccalaureate programs are religious services that include prayer and worship.
Superintendent David Leach responded on Oct. 10, informing FFRF that the school district would dissociate itself from the baccalaureate service.
FFRF has ensured that a Kansas school football staff will prioritize its constitutional duty to keep personal religion out of coaching tactics.
FFRF was informed that the guidelines in the Eisenhower Middle School football program indicated that God is the team's first priority. FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line wrote to the Liberal Unified School District on Aug. 30 warning the district that listing God first on the school team's list of priorities illegally imposes religious sentiments upon students and demonstrates that the EMS football coaches refer religion over nonreligion.
On Oct. 5 the district attorney responded, notifying FFRF that the school board adopted a policy regarding religious expression and prayer and the coaches handbooks would be approved for no references to God, Christianity or religion.
An Alabama principal has been given a lesson on the First Amendment, courtesy of FFRF.
It was reported to FFRF that Roger Wilkinson, the principal of Mitchell Elementary School in Gadsden, Ala., sent a message out to all parents and students promoting a "See You at the Pole" rally — a Christian event. In the message, Wilkinson said that he would be holding the rally. In a letter sent to Superintendent Ed Miller on Sept. 26, FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line cautioned that public school employees may not lead, direct or encourage students to engage in prayer.
On Oct. 4, the school district superintendent responded in an email informing FFRF that he had shared the complaint with the district administrative staff and advised that they follow all constitutional law going forward.
Thanks to FFRF, children in a Florida town can enjoy a public playground free of religious propaganda.
A resident informed FFRF that on a visit to R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar, Fla., she had stumbled upon a small playground with a picture game that depicted the biblical tale of Noah and the ark. Each section of the game contained a passage from the legend, paraphrased directly from the book of Genesis to be more easily absorbed by children. FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to the city parks superintendent on July 27, informing the city that the display equated to a government endorsement of Christianity, which the city cannot legally do.
The city's director of leisure services responded on Oct. 2, notifying FFRF that the panel had been permanently removed.
After receiving warning from FFRF, a New Jersey school district will cease its unconstitutional sponsorship of divisive religious activities.
It was reported to FFRF that the Millville Board of Education co-sponsored an event that included Christian worship. The event, Millville Elk's Donald "Ducky" Sharp Youth Week, had scheduled a Sunday morning church attendance for "all Millville boys and girls in grades 1 through 6." FFRF took swift action to inform the school that the display of favoritism for Christianity by the district was unlawful. FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne sent a letter notifying Millville Public Schools that it is unconstitutional for the district to encourage students to attend church.
A representative of the school district responded on Oct. 2, informing FFRF that the district would not sponsor the event in the future.
A professor at a Kansas public university will no longer be holding classes in a religious setting after FFRF took action.
It was reported to FFRF that a professor at Wichita State University was holding her chemistry classes in a religious coffee shop that described itself as "an outreach ministry of the Lutheran Student Center." FFRF was informed that the shop is filled with bible quotes and other religious iconography.
In a letter sent to Wichita State University President John Bardo, FFRF expressed concern over students being required to enter a religious establishment in order to attend a science class at a secular, public university. FFRF requested that necessary and appropriate steps be taken to ensure the professor's classes will be held in secular locations. On Oct. 1, FRFF was notified by a legal representative of the university that the violation had been remedied.
FFRF has halted religious promotion taking place in a Texas school district.
FFRF learned that the Lyford Consolidated School District in Lyford, Texas, was sending home permission slips with fifth-grade students so that the students could take bibles distributed by the district. FFRF was also alerted that students were being called to give invocations at Lyford High School graduations, with the 2016 prayer having mentioned Jesus.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the district on June 8, requesting that the unconstitutional promotions of religion end. Grover cautioned that courts have held that distribution of bibles to students during the school day is prohibited, and that the Supreme Court has continually struck down prayers as school-sponsored events including graduations.
On Sep. 29, a district representative responded informing FFRF that a review of the high school graduation format and fifth-grade practices was underway.
Thanks to FFRF, a Wisconsin teacher has a better understanding of students' First Amendment rights.
It was brought to FFRF's attention by a concerned parent that a third-grade teacher at Frank Allis Elementary School in Madison, Wis., was forcing students to stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance and scolding students who would not comply. She reportedly told students that sitting during the pledge was unpatriotic and required that they bring a written and signed parental permission to sit during the recitation.
FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne wrote to the Madison Metropolitan School District on Sep. 21, notifying the district that, as the Supreme Court has ruled, students have a constitutional right not to be forced to participate in the pledge, and cannot be singled out or penalized for following their freedom of conscience. FFRF received word on Sept. 28 that the school principal had warned the teacher to end her unconstitutional classroom policy.
FFRF put the kibosh on future unconstitutional religious events hosted by a public school district in Texas.
It was reported to FFRF that the Burkburnett Independent School District in Texas was advertising a “Family Night” event with the first scheduled activity titled “YOUTH GROUPS Gather for Worship.” The advertisement for the event was displayed on the district’s website. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the school district on Sept. 20, warning it that proceeding with the event would be an illegal endorsement of religion, and a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment
An attorney representing the district responded on Sept. 27, informing FFRF that the district administration had taken measures to certify that district staff in charge of scheduling and hosting events would be reminded of the district’s obligation not to promote religion.
Thanks to FFRF, a public school district in Texas has ceased its distribution of Christian propaganda.
A concerned community member informed FFRF that administrators at Wood River Elementary in Corpus Christi, Texas, sent an email promoting the event “See You at the Pole,” a Christian-oriented prayer rally organized each year around a bible verse. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the Calallen Independent School District on Sept. 26, warning the district that allowing any religious message or prayer gathering to be part of a school-sponsored event is unconstitutional.
FFRF was informed in an Sept. 27 faxed message that the district had counseled its teachers on not promoting “See You at the Pole” events.
After a concerned community member reported that a principal in an Alabama public school district organized a prayer event, FFRF took action.
FFRF learned that a principal at Mill Creek Elementary School in Huntsville, Ala., invited the public to pray for the school district community to start off the school year. The principal had also posted an invitation on Facebook for people to join her at the school on Aug. 6 to pray. In a letter sent to the school district on Sept. 22, FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line wrote that the principal’s invitation to community members and students to join her for an event held at the school creates the appearance of school-sponsored prayer — which is unconstitutional.
FFRF requested that the district ensure that the principal no longer host prayer events at the elementary school. On Sept. 27, the school district superintendent responded, informing FFRF that the violation had been discussed with the principal and that she was reminded of her duty to keep religion out of her role as principal.
A bible quote has been removed from an Oklahoma sheriff’s office building after FFRF warned against promoting religion on behalf of the government.
The bible passage quoting Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,” was on visible display in the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, a photo of the quote was being used as the Facebook cover photo for the office’s official page. FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line wrote to the sheriff’s office on July 21, explaining that it is inappropriate for the office to display the religious message, a clear government sponsorship of Christianity. FFRF requested that the bible verse be immediately removed from the sheriff’s office and from its Facebook page.
On Sept. 26, FFRF was informed that the photo had been taken down from the office and that the post had been removed from Facebook.
A concerned parent alerted FFRF that a kindergarten teacher in the Booneville School District in Booneville, Miss., was selecting a student each day to lead her class in a pre-lunch prayer.
On Sept. 7, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the school district, cautioning that public school teachers may not encourage students to pray or otherwise endorse religion to students. FFRF asked that district immediately investigate this situation and ensure that its employees are not illegally promoting religious practice to their students.
On Sept. 21, Boonville School District Superintendent Todd English responded, informing FFRF that the teacher and the rest of the faculty had been met with regarding the reported violation.
A Texas school will no longer unlawfully promote religion after receiving a legal letter from FFRF.
A parent contacted FFRF to let it know that at Judson High School in Live Oak, Texas, a religious invocation and benediction had been delivered at the school's graduation ceremony. The official program for the ceremony indicated that the school designated a "student chaplain" to deliver the opening invocation, which began "Dear heavenly father" and ended with a reference to "our Lord Jesus Christ" and an "Amen."
FFRF sent a letter to the school district on June 13, warning the district against personal religious promotion. In order to protect the freedom of conscience of all students, Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote, high school graduations must be secular events. On Sept. 13, an attorney representing the district responded by informing FFRF that district staff in charge of graduation ceremonies had been reminded to not promote religion.
A school district in Texas has taken precautions to ensure that it does not endorse Christianity after receiving a letter from FFRF over staff meeting prayers.
A district employee contacted FFRF to report that during an in-school training day at Brewer High School in Fort Worth, Texas, a school official led the teachers in prayer. A few days later, an auditorium full of district employees assembled for a mandatory staff convocation event that was led in prayer. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the White Settlement Independent School District on Aug. 23, warning that the promotion of religious ritual was a violation of the Establishment Clause.
A legal representative of the school district responded on Sept. 13, informing FFRF that the district would comply with the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
A principal at an Arkansas elementary school will no longer be pushing prayer after the district received a letter from FFRF addressing a constitutional complaint.
A concerned community member informed FFRF that a principal at Allen Elementary School in Siloam Springs, Ark., had invited first- and second-grade students to say a prayer during an announcement. On Aug. 30, FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to the Siloam Springs School District, informing administrators that public school employees may not legally encourage or lead students in prayer.
Superintendent Ken Ramey responded on Sept. 8, informing FFRF that the school district would refrain from crossing the line into prayer promotion or religious endorsement in the future.
A Louisiana middle school has heeded FFRF’s warning over a serious constitutional violation.
FFRF took action after it learned that a “Field Day” event hosted by Scott M. Brame Middle School in Alexandria, La., was sponsored by the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and staffed by the Philadelphia Baptist Church.
During the school-day event, the church representatives, stationed at tents, proselytized students. FFRF was further alerted that the school had plans to begin a partnership with the church in the fall. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover sent a letter to Rapides Parish Schools Superintendent Nason Authement on Aug. 3, warning the district that inviting, or allowing, a religious organization into the school to indoctrinate students is a far-reaching constitutional violation. FFRF requested that the district investigate the situation and halt any planned church-school partnership with the Philadelphia Baptist Church.
On Sept. 8, Authement responded, informing FFRF that the violation and other Establishment Clause issues would be addressed with district administrators at a scheduled in-service.
After receiving a legal letter from FFRF, a Texas school district has taken steps to keep its commencement speeches secular and lawful.
It was reported to FFRF that during a commencement speech in the Quitman Independent School District in Quitman, Texas, a parent speaker quoted multiple bible verses in what should have been a secular speech. The parent also infused the speech with religious instructions, such as telling students to “seek the Lord for wisdom.”
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Rhonda Turner on June 16 informing the district that the unconstitutional speech alienated non-Christian members of the school, and that graduations are not the place for a personal promotion of religion.
On Sept. 8, FFRF received confirmation from an attorney representing the school district that future commencement speakers and subject matter would be reviewed to avoid another constitutional violation.
The staff in a California school district has been educated by FFRF on constitutional concepts after a First Amendment violation was addressed.
FFRF was informed that a teacher at Roseville High in Roseville, Calif., had been pressuring students to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance and favoring students who complied. FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to the Roseville Joint Union School District on Aug. 23, telling administrators that students have a constitutional right not to be coerced into participation in the pledge.
FFRF was informed on Sept. 7 in a letter from Principal David Byrd that he had met with the teacher to let her know that she could not compel any student to recite or stand for the pledge, nor could she reward students for participating in the pledge. Byrd also reported to FFRF that the entire school staff would be reminded of the law surrounding students’ rights regarding the pledge.
Students at a Texas elementary school won't be herded to receive Gideon bibles after FFRF sent a warning to the school district over the constitutional violation.
It was reported to FFRF that teachers at West Fountain Elementary School in Wichita Falls, Texas, had lined students up and escorted them out to the edge of school property to receive a bible from the Gideon Society, a male proselytizing group.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Wichita Falls Independent School District on March 17, informing the district that advancing the Gideon's religious mission was a constitutional violation of the separation between church and state.
FFRF was informed on Sept. 5 that Executive Director of School Administration Debby Patterson had addressed the violation by sending an email to district staff, reminding them of the guidelines regarding sidewalk bible distribution. Patterson informed the staff that the Gideons are never to be allowed on school property to distribute bibles.
A California elementary school will no longer be including prayers in its graduation ceremonies after receiving a warning from FFRF.
A concerned parent informed FFRF that an elementary graduation ceremony at Blochman Union School District in Santa Maria, Calif., included an invocation and benediction led by a local pastor.
The prayers had begun with the pastor instructing the audience to bow their heads in prayer, and had thanked and praised "Father God," "Lord God," and "Our Heavenly Father." FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to the school district on June 29 requesting that future graduations do not include unconstitutional prayer.
Superintendent Doug Brown responded Aug. 30, assuring FFRF that both the invocation and benediction would be removed at future graduations.
An Alabama school district will not be promoting religious events, thanks to FFRF's involvement.
FFRF was informed that Fairview High School in Cullman, Ala., had used its televised morning announcements to advertise a religious event, the "Decide" Youth Rally, which took place in January at the public school. The event was also mentioned in the school's morning announcements for several days leading up to the event, including one with a promotional video from a pastor speaking at the event.
FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line wrote to Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette Aug. 28 informing him that the advertisements had impermissibly entangled the school and district with a religious viewpoint and violated the principle of state and church separation.
The schools superintendent responded Aug. 28 to inform FFRF that he would address the violation appropriately with the administration and ensure that the law was followed in the future.
A Virginia school division in Smithfield will no longer include prayer in its mandatory employee convocations.
It was reported to FFRF that every year at the Isle of Wight County School Division convocations, a guest speaker would lead the staff in a Christian prayer.
At the 2016 convocation, the speaker had asked employees to stand up if they believed in Jesus Christ during the prayer. FFRF Senior Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to Superintendent Jim Thornton Aug. 23, requesting that the division end the unconstitutional prayers.
Thornton responded Aug. 28, informing FFRF that the 2017 convocation speaker had been told not to pray, which he had complied with. Thornton further informed FFRF that going forward the division planned to eliminate convocation speakers from outside organizations to avoid future violations.
Thanks to FFRF, a South Carolina transit system will be up and running on Good Friday.
It was reported to FFRF that the Spartanburg Area Transit System in South Carolina did not run on the Christian holy day, Good Friday, on April 14.
FFRF's Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote to the transit system general manager on May 18 informing the city that it is an unconstitutional promotion and favoritism of Christianity to shut down the transit services for this Christian holiday.
Spartan Area Regional Transit Agency General Manager Luis Gonzalez responded Aug. 25, informing FFRF that the transit system would no longer be closed on Good Friday.
FFRF and Americans United have ensured that creationist myths will no longer be taught at an online Ohio public charter school based out of Akron.
A concerned parent of an Ohio Distance & Electronic Learning Academy student contacted FFRF to report the school's biology classes include a unit on "biogenesis" that teaches the biblical view of creation. The class readings for this unit reportedly include young-Earth creationist Walter Brown's book, In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood, which was promoted exclusively by Brown's own religious ministry, the Center for Scientific Creation.
In a letter sent to Ohio Distance & Electronic Learning Academy Superintendent David Bowlin on July 24, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover informed the academy that the Supreme Court has struck down the teaching of "scientific creationism" in public schools. Grover also noted that federal courts have consistently rejected other efforts to undermine evolution or to supplement its teaching with religious ideology in the public schools.
Bowlin responded to FFRF Aug. 24, writing that all the public school's teachers had been reminded that using religious materials for any reason is prohibited in public schools.
FFRF has ensured that an elementary school in Texas will no longer be partnering with a religious organization for school supplies.
It was reported to FFRF that Glen Rose Elementary School in Glen Rose, Texas, had partnered with a Christian organization, School Tool Box, to sell school supplies to parents through the organization's website. The school was advertising School Tool Box's services and, indirectly, its religious mission.
FFRF Associate Attorney Sam Grover sent a letter to the Glen Rose Independent School District superintendent to ensure that the school district would not continue to illegally promote religion, encouraging Glen Rose Elementary to partner with secular organizations in the future.
A legal representative of the school district replied on Aug. 18, informing FFRF that the district would request that Glen Rose Elementary School partner with different, non-religious organizations going forward.
FFRF has put the kibosh on coach-led prayers at a school district in Shelbina, Mo.
It was reported to FFRF that the South Shelby High School football coach, Rob Wilt, was leading prayers with student-athletes after games last year.
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to the Shelby County R-IV School District superintendent on May 11, warning that it is illegal for public school athletic coaches to lead their teams in prayer. FFRF requested that the district take action to ensure Wilt would cease praying or organizing prayer with athletes.
FFRF was informed in August that Wilt and other staff had received training by the school legal counsel on their obligation to keep religion out of school events.