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.
FFRF was able to get a superintendent to stop leading prayers at school-related functions.
FFRF learned the superintendent of Crosby Independent School District in Crosby, Texas, had led a prayer at an awards ceremony for students and led similar prayers at Crosby High School graduation ceremonies.
Furthermore, it was reported that the school was regularly scheduling prayers to be announced over public loudspeakers before home football games.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to a legal representative of the school district on July 12, informing the district of its constitutional violations. Grover also explained that it is illegal for a public school to include prayer at school athletic events.
On Aug. 11, a representative of the school district informed FFRF that the district had agreed to meet its legal obligations to remain religiously neutral.
A community member contacted FFRF over a promotion of religion at Cole Camp High School in Missouri during the school's Senior Awards Night, and FFRF promptly took action. A school staff member had promoted a religious baccalaureate service scheduled immediately after the school-sponsored award ceremony.
FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover wrote to Cole Camp School District administration to ensure that religious services were not being organized or promoted by the district and reminding the public school district of its constitutional obligation to remain neutral toward religion.
Superintendent Tim Rolling responded on Aug. 9 to inform FFRF that the district would review all policies and practices to ensure that the school district employees would not promote any religious activity.
FFRF has ensured that a school district in Twin Falls, Idaho, will keep religion out of its assemblies.
A district parent reported to FFRF that in February all district secondary schools in the Twin Falls School District held a mandatory student assembly featuring a guest inspirational speaker who referenced God and prayer as her source of support. Her presentation to students included a slide with a bible verse, Philippians 4:13. While FFRF Associate Counsel Elizabeth Cavell lauded the school district's goal of motivating students, she reminded the district in a letter sent July 26 of its First Amendment obligations to neither advance nor promote religion as the speaker did.
The district assured FFRF that it would comply with the First Amendment and refrain from sponsoring assemblies with religious content in the future.
After learning of a state/church violation that occurred at Delton Kellogg Schools in Michigan, FFRF took action to ensure religious rituals are kept out of school events.
FFRF was informed that the district held a Veterans Day concert in November 2016 at Delton Kellogg High School. The event included a prayer led by a middle school student. In a letter sent on Nov. 22, 2016, FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote that while it was laudable for the school to honor veterans, it is unconstitutional to allow a religious message or prayer to be a part of a school-sponsored event. FFRF asked for confirmation that future school assemblies would not include prayer.
A legal representative of the school district responded on Aug. 3 that the district would comply with the law going forward.
FFRF has ensured that a teacher at Whitewater Middle School in Gainesville, Ga., has changed his tune and will keep religion out of his classroom.
A parent of a student attending the middle school informed FFRF that an eighth-grade science teacher, Matthew Mundock, was playing Christian music in his classroom during his examinations. When the student informed Mundock that the music was distracting, he suggested the student go to the library. FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler sent a letter to Fayette County Public Schools on June 30 warning that it is illegal for public school employees to promote Christianity by playing religious music in classrooms. FFRF requested that Mundock be directed to cease exposing students to Christian music.
On Aug. 3, the school district responded that Mundock had been made to understand that playing Christian music unconstitutionally endorsed religious messages and that he would only play secular instrumental music going forward.
The Palmyra Interfaith Manor in Lebanon, Penn., has removed a large collection of Christian iconography that had decorated its common areas.
A resident of the manor reported to FFRF that Latin crosses, angels and depictions of Mary, Joseph and Jesus decorated the lobby and community room, making the resident feel alienated in her own home. Because the manor is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the religious displays raised constitutional concerns. FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line sent a letter on June 29 asking that the decorations be removed from the common areas of the residency to avoid the promotion of Christianity.
The housing authority responded on Aug. 1 informing FFRF that the religious items had been removed.
FFRF has snipped the ties between a Wisconsin elementary school and a religious financial firm.
It was brought to the attention of FFRF that Bristol Elementary School in Bristol, Wis., had partnered with Thrivent Financial, a Christian financial services firm that openly discriminates based on religion.
FFRF's Elaine and Eric Stone Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne sent a letter to the Bristol School District asking that it investigate Establishment Clause concerns.
The school and financial firm had collaborated on a "Feed My Starving Children" event. Feed My Starving Children is a Christian nonprofit with a mission to nourish "God's starving children hungry in body and spirit." After the students packed food, they were invited to participate in a Christian prayer over the food. In exchange for the funding, Thrivent transported students to the event. Students all wore T-shirts with the religious firm's logo that includes a Christian cross.
Bristol School District #1 Administrator Michael Juech informed FFRF in an email that the district had contacted Thrivent Financial to let the group know that no future partnerships would take place. Additionally, the school district has taken steps to remove social media posts from the Bristol School District pages highlighting the relationship with Thrivent Financial.
The Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga., will not be promoting an evangelical group or displaying Christian symbols in its cafeteria after FFRF sent a letter over a constitutional violation.
FFRF was informed by a troubled parent that two large, seemingly permanent banners showcasing Christian iconography and ideology were affixed to either side of the stage in the school cafeteria. The banners were for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Southeast Georgia Chapter, which includes a prominent Latin cross in its logo. The group's mission is to give coaches and athletes "the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church." FFRF Associate Counsel Elizabeth Cavell wrote to a representative of Lowndes County Schools on June 19, warning the district that displaying religious symbols or promoting religious organizations with a clear evangelical mission is a constitutional violation.
FFRF was informed on July 31 that the school had complied with its request that the banners be removed.
The Parkway School District in Chesterfield, Mo., will not be be teaching misleading, faith-based curriculum in the future after FFRF raised constitutional and health concerns.
A local faith-based organization, Thrive St. Louis, has been teaching sex education in district schools. The group operates "crisis pregnancy centers," which label themselves as general-purpose medical clinics for pregnant women, but in reality spew fallacious advice and provide services that further a religious agenda. Thrive's sex education lessons, called "Best Choice," is made up of scare and shaming tactics to discourage students from using contraception, choosing to have sex or having an abortion — all of which crisis pregnancy centers oppose for purely religious reasons. The group's employment policy clearly aims to spread Christian dogma.
"It would be inappropriate and irresponsible for a public school district to encourage students to visit a crisis pregnancy center, much less invite such a group to teach sex education," wrote FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne in a letter to the Parkway School District on April 7.
On July 31, the district superintendent responded that beginning with the 2017-18 school year, all sexual health instruction would be delivered by the district's certified health educators.
FFRF has taken action to ensure that students in Breitung Township Schools in Kingsford, Mich., will no longer be socially pressured into participating in religious rituals.
This past spring, the district’s Eighth-Grade Dinner Dance included a prayer that students were instructed to recite before a meal. The prayer had been organized by Mrs. Hofer, a teacher in the district, who had pressured and shamed students at the event to join in the religious ritual by saying that refusing to do so would be poor manners. FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote to Superintendent Craig Allen on May 25, warning that it is a constitutional violation for public school teachers to involve themselves in prayer.
Allen responded on July 28 that the incident had been discussed with the violator.
A Texas high school will no longer be using graduation events to unconstitutionally promote Christianity after FFRF contacted the school district over several state/church violations.
FFRF was informed that the graduation events at Big Sandy High School were laced with religion. During a senior banquet prior to the school's graduation ceremony, the principal led a Christian prayer in which he made multiple references to the bible and "warned" about Satan. On the day of graduation, a faculty member gave students a copy of the Christian book "God's Promises for Graduates." The graduation ceremony itself began with a Christian invocation and concluded with the principal asking everyone to stand up to join hands and recite the Lord's Prayer. Moreover, a local religious group was invited onto school property before the ceremony to distribute bibles to students.
FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover wrote to the school district's superintendent, Jay Ratcliff, on June 22 to remind the district of its duty to remain religiously neutral and protect the rights of conscience of students. Public school graduations, Grover pointed out, are not the place to preach personal religious beliefs. Ratcliff responded on July 27 agreeing that the district would comply with its legal obligation to keep religion out of its schools.
FFRF has ensured that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services will not entangle itself with religion when sponsoring events.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin (ADRC) sponsored a dementia workshop on June 15 exclusively for faith community leaders. Religion was advertised in a flyer of the workshop, which indicated that Pastor Carolyn Kennedy led the 15-minute opening worship and that it was held in the United Church of Christ in Barneveld.
In a letter sent to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne requested assurance that future Aging and Disability Resource Center events would not include religious rituals. FFRF also asked that any future events the center sponsors be open to all community leaders, not just clergy.
The Department of Health Services responded on July 26, agreeing that resource centers should not prohibit any interested community leader from attending its informational events.
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has removed a religious text from a display after receiving a warning letter from FFRF.
An employee reached out to FFRF over a bible being displayed on the table outside the office of the director of the teaching hospital. The bible was placed next to the seating for visitors. FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert sent a letter on July 21 to the university's dean explaining that displaying the bible to visitors of the director's office sends the message that the college endorses the religious text, which is a constitutional violation. A legal representative of the university informed FFRF in a letter sent on July 25 that the bible had been removed from public view.
A public school bus rolling through Tennessee will no longer be doubling as Christian propaganda on wheels. A concerned resident informed FFRF that a school bus for the Bedford County School District in Shelbyville, Tenn., was showcasing a large bumper sticker that read, "Easter is all about JESUS!" The district violated the constitution by allowing its resources to display religious messages and promote religion. FFRF sent a letter to the district superintendent on May 12 requesting that the bumper sticker be removed.
The school district responded on July 24 that it had immediately complied with FFRF's request and that an in-service training would be provided for drivers to address the violation.
A U.S. post office plant in Richmond, Calif., has agreed to end government-endorsed prayers after receiving a letter from FFRF.
At a potluck held by the post office plant in December 2016, a pre-meal prayer was led "in Jesus' name." At a luncheon four days after, the plant manager asked for an employee to lead a prayer. FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote to the plant manager, Severo Garza, on April 3, warning that the prayer practices had violated the constitutional separation of church and state by imposing prayer on employees and endorsing religion on behalf of the government.
Garza responded in a letter to FFRF on July 21 agreeing that the post office would be in compliance with the First Amendment in the future.
A Kansas school district superintendent has agreed to restrain himself from praying with his employees at school functions.
A concerned employee informed FFRF that at an awards meeting for retiring staff, Independence Unified School District Superintendent Rusty Arnold asked the audience to join him in prayer and to bow their heads. FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher Line sent a letter to Arnold on July 7 warning the school district that imposing prayer on employees at a district-sponsored event violates constitutional limits on government religious endorsement. Furthermore, Line explained to Arnold that such prayers inappropriately alienate non-religious employees, or those who practice a minority religion.
On July 20, Arnold assured FFRF in a letter that he did not want to alienate staff members and would no longer be praying with his employees during school events.
A U.S. post office in Miami, Fla., will no longer be unconstitutionally promoting religion after receiving a letter from FFRF.
FFRF was informed that a poster reading, "To all South Florida District Employees who have been called to serve, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless America" had been on display at the Quail Heights Post Office. On Nov. 4, 2016, FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote a letter warning the post office that U.S. postal regulations prohibit the display of nearly all religious materials and that the First Amendment prohibits government sponsorship of religion.
Ziegler asked that the post office comply with the constitution and remove the sign. The Quail Heights Post Office district manager responded on July 20, informing FFRF that the sign had been immediately removed following the reception of the warning letter.
FFRF commends a Wisconsin school district for turning off a Christian broadcasting station on a school bus.
Early in the spring, FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne sent a letter to the Stevens Point Area Public School District due to concerns over a bus driver who was incessantly playing devotional Christian music on a bus taking students to P.J. Jacobs Junior High School.
The school district responded with a brief, but laudable, response: "The practice has ceased."
FFRF has stopped an Ohio county's attempt to divert public dollars to exclusively religious organizations.
In August, it was brought to FFRF's attention that Cuyahoga County had issued a "request for proposal" so that it could offer outreach services limited to faith-based organizations or coalitions of faith-based organizations. The request was intended to seek "proposals from faith-based organizations interested in providing outreach and referral activities to drive enrollment in Cuyahoga County's Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program."
In a letter to the county administration, FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line warned the county against the violation of the First Amendment.
The county responded that it would comply with constitutional requirements to be entirely neutral on matters of religion.
FFRF has ensured that a program at the University of Florida in Gainesville will remain neutral regarding religion.
FFRF contacted the university over a mandatory program it planned to implement for all undergraduate students called "UF Quest," which contained aspects that appeared to advance or favor religion. The university's associate provost of undergraduate affairs explained that all students in the program would be encouraged to meditate on their spiritual tradition — which she equated with prayer.
In a letter sent on June 6, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel spotlighted the constitutional state-church concerns with the program and requested that all program curriculum be approached from a secular standpoint. FFRF also asked that the program include all students by representing the nearly 35 percent of millennials who do not identify with religion. The university's attorney responded on July 14, assuring FFRF that the program would not promote religion and that the university would work with FFRF to find humanist or atheist representatives if necessary in the future.
Thanks to FFRF, an elementary school in Frederick, Md., has agreed to expunge a proselytizing message to its students.
A concerned local resident informed FFRF that Lincoln Elementary had been displaying a religious sculpture in its foyer that had been donated by a Rotary Club. The sculpture was in the shape of a key and included printed advice to students to "be good Christians." FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a letter on June 21 to the Frederick County Public Schools superintendent objecting to the overt promotion of Christianity on behalf of the school and asking that the sculpture be modified to remove the message.
A representative of the school district responded on July 11 informing FFRF that the principal of Lincoln Elementary school had been advised to remove the word "Christians" from the message. It now contains a secular message to "be good."
An Illinois statewide fishing competition will not be angling for religion, thanks to FFRF.
A concerned Illinois resident informed FFRF that the Illinois High School Association, in conjunction with the Fishing League Worldwide, started this year's 2017 IHSA Bass Fishing State Finals for member Illinois schools with a Christian prayer that included "Thanks for your son Jesus."
This sectarian prayer was inappropriate and unconstitutional, FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne told the association.
The Illinois High School Association responded quickly by ending the prayers.
Due to the FFRF, there won't be any Christian indoctrination permitted during official hunter training in New Hampshire.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department facilitates hunter safety classes throughout New Hampshire. A person who contacted FFRF attended a class on April 6-8 hosted by the Heritage Free Will Baptist Church in Laconia, N.H. The complainant reported that everyone who attended the class received religious flyers with prayers and information about church services. A pastor taught this class. The religious materials were enclosed with all of the official hunter's safety documents and study packets.
FFRF learned that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will make certain that future classes co-sponsored by the department do not involve the distribution of such religious materials.
FFRF recently sent a letter to the Ashe County Sheriff's Office, based in Jefferson, objecting to a "Time of Prayer" event it was scheduled to host on June 24. Highlighting the event was a prayer led by Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of the celebrity evangelist Billy Graham and sister of Franklin Graham.
FFRF expressed concern that Ashe County officers, and perhaps Sheriff Terry Buchanan, would make an appearance at the event in their official uniforms and might speak using government titles to promote the religious event. This, FFRF reminded the sheriff's office, would have exacerbated the appearance that the sheriff's office endorses Christianity. The Ashe County Sheriff's Office promptly addressed this concern.
"No uniformed officer or deputy will be speaking or participating in the event," wrote an attorney representing the Ashe County Sheriff's Office. "Mr. Buchanan may give a brief introduction of Ms. Lotz, but it would be without introduction of himself and without use of a title or uniform. The only presence of any uniformed officer would be consistent with their normal routine of patrol and other law enforcement duties."
A school district in Smithville, Ohio, won't be scheduling Christianity into its school calendar or holiday decorating activities anymore.
Green Local Schools District featured a overtly Christian theme on its lunch calendar this past December, listing "Baby in a blanket on a bed of straw" with a "star" on the lunch menu. This was an obvious reference to the birth story of Jesus Christ. The calendar also displayed a picture of a baby in a manger on Dec. 26, paired with the wording "The Best Christmas Gift." FFRF was also made aware that Green Middle School had several classroom doors decorated with nativity scenes and references to the birth of Jesus Christ.
In a letter sent on March 16, FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert informed Superintendent Judy Robinson that a nativity scene is a sectarian Christian symbol, which is unlawful for a public school to display. Markert warned against the constitutional violation of promoting a religious doctrine in a public school. On June 20, FFRF was informed by a school official that the situation had been investigated and corrected.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that an Owasso High School teacher, Bob Linder, was teaching creationism in his science classes. Linder fallaciously claimed that the biblically based idea of human origin was equivalent to the scientific theory of evolution, which he had made attempts to cast doubt upon. Teaching creationism, or any of its derivatives such as intelligent design, to a captive student audience is unlawful — as federal courts have consistently upheld. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Clark Ogilvie on Jan. 31, informing the district of the violation.
"Teaching that there is a scientific controversy about the validity of evolution is akin to teaching astrology with astronomy or alchemy beside chemistry," wrote Seidel. "Representing unconstitutional discarded misconceptions as scientific facts does a great disservice to the scientific literacy of Owasso High School students."
An attorney representing the school district informed FFRF in a letter sent June 20 that Linder had voluntarily retired, and that appropriate actions had been taken by the district to prevent similar violations of staff infusing religious doctrine into curriculum.
A Florida high school won't be inserting religion into future school-sponsored events after receiving a legal warning from FFRF over a Christian prayer.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that the assistant principal and athletic director at Middleton High School in Tampa, Fla., had called upon a staff member to deliver a Christian prayer at an athletic banquet on school property. The individual had asked his students and their parents to bow their heads as he delivered a prayer, thanking God for the food.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter to Hillsborough County Public Schools Chief of Staff Alberto Vazquez on May 30, warning against the unconstitutional school endorsement of religion. Vazquez responded on June 19 to inform FFRF that an investigation had been launched over the violation. The athletic director has been retrained on the district's policy to remain religiously neutral and inclusive.
An Indiana school district has promised FFRF that graduation prayers will not occur again in its schools.
A concerned Elkhart Community Schools parent contacted FFRF to report that the 2016-17 graduation ceremony at the Roosevelt STEAM Academy began with a prayer. The speaker asked the audience to stand and bow heads, and then led a sectarian Christian prayer, concluding with "In Jesus' name, Amen."
"The Supreme Court has continually struck down prayers at school-sponsored events, including public school graduations," FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Elkhart Community Schools Legal Counsel Douglas Thorne last month.
This prayer is especially egregious when involving a captive group of impressionable elementary-age school children, FFRF added. Parents, not public schools, are responsible for the religious or nonreligious upbringing of their children. And courts have continually reaffirmed that the rights of minorities are protected by the Constitution. It makes no difference how many students want prayer or wouldn't be offended by prayer at their graduation ceremony.
The school district has assured FFRF that it will adhere to the First Amendment.
"Our obligation to maintain a status of religious neutrality is communicated to our staff at all levels on a regular basis and I am, by copy of this letter, reminding our building principal on the importance of maintaining this status at all school functions," Thorne responded. "We will continue in our efforts to meet those obligations."
FFRF has ensured that a senior center in Grants, N.M., will be serving prayer-free meals from here on out.
A concerned member of the Cibola Senior Center informed FFRF that the federally funded institution was instructing its members to pray before receiving meals. Although the center was not directly coercing members to comply with the practice, staff members were singling out individuals who did not pray. This created a divisive atmosphere that ostracized those who chose not to pray.
"Not only does permitting public prayer at these meals cause concern that the government is endorsing religion, it also violates our citizens' rights to be free from religious proselytizing," wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel in a letter to the center's director, Dorie Sandoval, on May 19. Sandoval responded on June 8, informing FFRF that the center had a policy against employees encouraging prayer that would be strictly adhered to.
A high school in Honea Path, S.C., has been reminded of its obligation to stay secular after it received a warning from FFRF over an unlawful prayer delivered to the school's wrestling team this past spring.
FFRF was informed that a local pastor was called to lead a prayer at a Belton-Honea Path High School awards event for the school's wrestling team. The pastor called upon Jesus Christ several times throughout the prayer, explicitly undermining the public school's duty to remain secular on matters regarding religion.
FFRF sent a letter on June 2 requesting that the school address and correct the violation. The school district superintendent, Richard Rosenberger, responded on June 7, informing FFRF that the Belton-Honea Path High School principal and athletic director were made aware of the constitutional breach. Rosenberger also informed FFRF that school district faculty would be given a legal briefing on religion in schools.
A North Carolina county senior center will adhere to federal regulations against religious worship after FFRF took action on a constitutional violation over pre-lunch prayers.
A concerned resident of Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center — based in Morehead City, N.C. — informed FFRF that a daily lunch prayer was occurring at the publicly funded facility. The prayer was being led by a former preacher, who was attending the center himself. Employees would quiet the crowd and encourage participation in the prayer while members of the center who did not wish to join in were being ostracized for their rejection of the religious ritual.
FFRF sent a letter on May 30 requesting that the center cease its prayers as regulations prohibit senior centers receiving federal funding from engaging in religious activities at government-sponsored functions, such as senior lunches. An attorney representing the center responded on June 6, informing FFRF that no coercion or endorsement of religion would take place at the Enrichment Center and that the prayer did not represent the center.
A Delaware school district agreed to comply with its constitutional obligation to remain neutral regarding religion in its June 5 graduation ceremony, after receiving a letter from FFRF requesting that it cancel scheduled prayers.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that the Woodbridge High School graduation ceremony had scheduled both an invocation and a benediction, and had done so in years past. FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to Woodbridge School District Superintendent Heath Chasanov on June 1, informing him that the Supreme Court has ruled against prayers at public school events — which includes graduations.
Chasanov responded on June 5 with a copy of the commencement ceremony showing that the prayer had been removed.
FFRF successfully stopped prayers scheduled into yet another high school's graduation ceremony, this time in Elkins, Ariz.
Last spring, FFRF was informed that the Elkins High School 2016 graduation ceremony opened and closed with a Christian prayer. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott a letter on June 26, 2016, to the school district, warning against the inclusion of prayer at future school-sponsored events.
Although FFRF did not receive a response from the district, the organization was informed on June 5 that there had been no prayers included in this past spring's 2017 graduation ceremony.
After it was brought to FFRF's attention that an award assembly at an Arizona high school had begun and ended with a Christian prayer, action was taken to ensure the public school remains secular.
During an award assembly this past spring at Harrison High School in Harrison, Ariz., a benediction was scheduled and delivered to students during school hours. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to the Harrison School District on May 24, informing the superintendent that such school-sponsored religious activities violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Elliott requested that the school refrain from including inappropriate and unconstitutional prayers at future school events.
FFRF received a response May 30 from the interim superintendent, who wrote that all principals had been notified of the violation and assuring the organization that the violation will not occur anywhere in the school district again.
Thanks to FFRF, a school district in Willard, Mo., has adopted a policy to ensure that religion does not seep into future high school commencement addresses.
During Willard High School's graduation ceremony this past spring, religious remarks and a prayer were given by Willard Public Schools Superintendent Kent Medlin in his address to students. FFRF was informed that Medlin had quoted the bible several times, evangelized the audience by discussing his "savior" and asked the students and their families to pray along with him.
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to the school board on May 18 noting that Medlin is infamous for abusing his position of authority to promote his personal religious beliefs in the past. Elliott asked for steps to be taken by the district to comply with constitutional requirements that it remain neutral regarding religion.
An attorney representing the district wrote on May 25 to inform FFRF that the remarks had been against the board's policy. The district has altered its policy on graduation ceremonies to have the Board of Education review future commencement speeches.
Furthermore, the school board's policy on religious neutrality will be reviewed with all staff members during the orientation for the upcoming school year.
A high school wrestling coach in Wichita, Kan., has been reminded to stay in line with the First Amendment after he unconstitutionally led a prayer during a team banquet.
A concerned parent informed FFRF that, this past spring, the Wichita Northwest High School wrestling coach led a prayer for all attendees at the end-of-the-year school-sponsored banquet. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to the school district on April 20 to inform school officials that such conduct endorses and promotes personal religious beliefs on behalf of a public school district — which is unconstitutional.
FFRF received notice on May 22 that the school district conducted an investigation into the violation. Several actions were taken to ensure that no promotion of religious belief reoccurs in the future. A newsletter will be sent out before the school year starts this upcoming fall reminding school principals of the constitutional prohibition against employee participation of prayer at school functions. The issue will also be discussed with the district's high school athletic directors.
After being informed of a prayer scheduled to take place at the Schley County Middle School graduation in Ellaville, Ga., FFRF raised its voice against the constitutional violation.
FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to Superintendent Adam Hathaway on May 16 reminding him of the school district's obligation to remain neutral toward religion.
On May 18, FFRF received a response from a legal representative of the Schley County School District informing FFRF that no prayer would be scheduled to be part of the graduation ceremony, no prayer was referenced in the graduation program and seniors would not be required to remove their hats during the ceremony.
FFRF has successfully stopped the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department from promoting religion through its government email server.
FFRF was contacted by a local resident after an email to city employees was sent by IMPD Police Chief Bryan Roach in March promoting an event. The email concluded with a scripture verse for "encouragement and guidance." FFRF's Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne contacted Roach requesting assurance that bible verses would not be included in future emails.
FFRF received notice on May 16 that future emails sent from Roach's government email address would not include religious references.
An elementary school teacher in Stantonville, Ga., has been reminded of her constitutional obligation to keep her classroom secular.
A parent of an Echols County Elementary School student informed FFRF that a teacher at the school had a religious sign posted in her classroom which read, "Testing 101: When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test. Trust in the Lord."
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to an attorney representing the district, Brian Smith, on Dec. 23. Smith responded on May 15, informing FFRF that the district administration had spoken to the teacher regarding the violation and that the sign was removed. Smith also noted that the teacher had been counseled on her duty as a public school employee to remain neutral regarding religion.
Thanks to FFRF, a South Dakota high school kept its May graduation ceremony free of religious influence.
FFRF was informed that Clark High School in Clark, S.D., scheduled prayers by a Catholic priest into its graduation ceremony. The program had included both a Catholic invocation and a benediction as portions of the ceremony.
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to Clark School District Superintendent Luanne Warren on May 12, urging that the invocation and benediction be canceled and that all references to them be removed from the ceremony program. FFRF was informed on May 13, a day after the scheduled graduation date, that the ceremony was devoid of any religious undertones.
The Pasadena Independent School District in Texas has been warned not to allow religious speakers access to a captive audience of public school students for indoctrination.
The school district had hosted an in-school assembly during the school day featuring a speaker from the evangelical church, Go Tell Ministries. The group was permitted to strongly promote its April 8 Christian event, the "Bay Area Go Tell Crusade." The event was deceptively described to students as a "pizza night."
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent DeeAnn Powell on April 21. On May 12, an attorney representing the school district responded to Grover's letter informing FFRF that the district had been advised on its constitutional obligations related to religion and public schools. He noted that they anticipated no further violations.
FFRF took swift action after a student at Lakeview Middle School in The Colony, Texas, contacted the state-church watch group about a teacher requiring that he stand and participate in the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge.
The student, who identifies as an atheist, objected to taking an oath "under God," wording present in the two pledges. The only way that the student would be allowed to opt out of the pledge would be by presenting a note from his parent or guardian allowing him to do so, which was not possible for the student.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the Lewisville Independent School District Director of Legal Services Jeff Crownover on May 10 asking that the situation be investigated to ensure that teachers of the district were not violating the free speech rights of students. Crownover replied on May 12 that the student would be permitted to sit silently during the pledges of allegiance at school.
After hearing of multiple shocking constitutional violations occurring within the Wilson School District in Pennsylvania, FFRF took action to warn the district of its duty to keep religion out of its public schools.
FFRF was made aware that Wilson Southern Middle School was regularly advertising religious events. A bible study was being hosted by two Wilson Southern Middle School teachers before school. Teachers handed out flyers promoting the bible study, which was advocated for in the morning announcements. A Christian "See You at The Pole" event was also featured in the school's announcements. And sixth-graders were sent to Camp Swatara Church of the Brethren, a Christian camp.
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Superintendent Curt Baker on March 2. On May 11, district administration responded that the issues FFRF raised had been investigated and that the district had taken the necessary steps to address the violations.
Thanks to FFRF, the city of Winter Haven, Fla., ended its endorsement of religion through the annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast in May.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that Mayor Steven Hunnicutt planned on hosting the annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast to recognize the National Day of Prayer on May 4. The conspicuous religious event was being promoted through the official Winter Haven Facebook page, Twitter account and in the city's e-newsletter. Moreover, tickets for the event were being managed and sold through the city clerk's office.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter to the Winter Haven commissioners on April 28. On May 8, City Attorney Frederick Murphy responded, writing that the city had taken measures to ensure that its conduct regarding the prayer breakfast was in compliance with the First Amendment.
A religious poster has been taken off display in Hillcrest High School, in Ammon, Ind. The framed poster of "A Wrestler's Prayer" was hanging on one of the teacher's classroom walls.
FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell sent a letter to Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 Superintendent Charles Shackett, informing the school district that it is a violation of the Constitution to display religious symbols or messages. Public schools may not advance, prefer or promote religion.
FFRF received a response from Shackett on May 8, explaining that the Hillcrest High School principal had met with the specified public school employee concerning his wrestling poster and had reviewed the complaint with him. The teacher immediately removed the poster from his classroom wall and placed it in his vehicle to take home.
Revelations Yogurt in Edmonds, Wash. will no longer be dishing up its party room free to church groups after FFRF contacted the establishment over its religious discrimination.
FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote to the Revelations Yogurt management on April 27, after a customer gave FFRF the scoop on the business' tasteless deal promotions. The establishment charges $25 for all other nonprofit organizations for use of the party room.
The store manager informed FFRF on May 5 that she had been unaware of the violation and had removed the discounts from the website and store poster in response to Cavell's letter.
An evangelical group will no longer be invading Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas, after FFRF got involved with the state-church violation.
A parent of a student in the school district informed FFRF that members of Gideons International were permitted to enter the school's cafeteria during the lunch period to distribute bibles. FFRF was told that the Gideons were proselytizing rather aggressively, forcing bibles onto reluctant students.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Liberty Independent School District Superintendent Cody Abshier on April 24 to ensure that the shocking and illegal bible distribution would not take place in the future.
FFRF received a response on May 4 from Abshier, who wrote that the district had spoken with some staff about the troubling incident. Abshier assured FFRF that there would be training this summer to address the concern districtwide.
A teacher at Texas' Fannin Middle School will be promoting science rather than Christianity, thanks to FFRF's action.
Eric Sheen, an eighth-grade science teacher at the school, had been promoting anti-science curriculum and Christian propaganda. A concerned parent had informed FFRF that Sheen had showed his class a video clip from Ben Stein's pro-intelligent design film "No Intelligence Allowed," and made repeated references to students about his personal Christian faith. Sheen regularly encouraged students to embrace religion themselves, citing his personal "life-changing" experience with letting God into his life.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Amarillo Independent School District Superintendent Dana West on April 7, informing the district that teaching creationism or any of its offshoots, such as intelligent design, in a public school is unlawful.
In a response on May 3, FFRF was assured that the situation had been investigated and thoroughly addressed.
Students at John B. Sliney Elementary School in Branford, Conn., will no longer be forced to sing religious songs after FFRF raised its voice in opposition.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that the school's music teacher, Ted Samodel, had been teaching spiritual songs to students. A concerned parent informed FFRF that her child was brought to the auditorium to listen to older students rehearsing for their music class.
One of the songs being performed was "Angels Watching Over Me," which contains pious lyrics.
FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent a letter to Bradford Public Schools Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez on Feb. 9 requesting that Samodel be instructed to stop teaching young, impressionable students religious hymns.
Hernandez informed FFRF in a letter on May 3 that the district had addressed the issue with the music teacher and gave assurance that the situation would not occur again.
FFRF took action after being informed that a high school in Pierson, Fla., had scheduled a graduation ceremony at a church.
A member of the Volusia County School District informed FFRF that the T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School official website encouraged graduating seniors to attend a baccalaureate at the Community Christian Assembly. The invitation was deceivingly made to appear as if the religious event was a requirement for graduation.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter to School Board Attorney Michael Dyer on April 10 denouncing the inappropriate level of school involvement in the religious ceremony.
On May 1, FFRF was informed by a district representative that the school would not sponsor the baccalaureate and that no school employee would be involved in the organization, planning or coordination of the services. FFRF was also assured that the event would not be advertised as being encouraged.
McKinney North High School in Texas has been given a secular makeover after FFRF was informed of religious symbols and messages decorating the walls of hallways and classrooms in the school. These messages included a football poster with a biblical quote, a varied collection of crosses, an advertisement for a Christian club, and a large assortment of Latin crosses next to white boards, over entrances to classrooms and behind teachers' desks.
On April 12, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover reminded the school district attorney, Charles Crawford, of a letter FFRF sent last year to the district outlining why Latin crosses and religious messages are impermissible displays by public school employees. Since the district's employees clearly did not follow through with removing the displays, Grover requested additional assurance that the recurring issue would be, at last, resolved.
On May 1, Crawford responded to Grover's letter informing FFRF that the district superintendent would address the displays.
FFRF has taken on All Pro Dad, a religious organization, once again, this time at a Georgia elementary school.
A concerned parent of a student in the Barrow County School System contacted FFRF about the promotion of All Pro Dad events at Statham Elementary School through the school's website. The website directed visitors to a page that included religious messages and to an online shop that included T-shirts reading, "Pray and Worship Together" and "All Pro Dad."
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler, who sent a letter to the school district on March 31, noted that this religious promotion created an unnecessary wedge between students of the school. A response was received on April 25 from the superintendent informing FFRF that all mentions of the All Pro Dad program would be removed from the school calendar and that no school resources would be used to promote the program.
A huge prayer display has been removed from a Wisconsin police station thanks to FFRF intervening on behalf of the Constitution.
A concerned area resident contacted FFRF to report that the Onalaska Police Department had a large religious display on the wall of a public room in a local police station.
It is laudable for the police department to recognize the challenges officers face and to promote compassion and courage in law enforcement. But these sentiments should not be couched in the religious message that a god should be the officers' "guide" in their work, and is responsible for their success and safety, FFRF asserted.
"Displaying 'A Police Officer's Prayer' in the police station demonstrates a preference for religion over nonreligion on behalf of the Onalaska Police Department," FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Onalaska Police Chief Jeffrey Trotnic in January. "By endorsing belief in a god, the Onalaska Police Department sponsors a religious message, which is 'impermissible because it sends the ancillary message to . . . nonadherents'" that they are not full members of the political community, to quote the U.S. Supreme Court.
Citizens interact with and rely on law enforcement officers during some of the most urgent and vulnerable times of their lives, FFRF reminded Trotnic. The Onalaska Police Department's religious display conveyed a message to nonreligious citizens that they weren't favored members of the political community. Law enforcement must be even-handed and avoid any appearance of bias toward some citizens or hostility toward others.
FFRF requested that the prayer display be removed immediately. The Onalaska Police Department recently informed FFRF that it has acceded to the organization's request.
"Dear Mr. Jayne: The item in question has been removed," Trotnic wrote back.
Religious leaders will no longer be permitted to prey upon school children for proselytization in Montana's Missouri's Forsyth R-III Schools after FFRF raised alarm.
It was brought to FFRF's concern that a youth minister, Jeffrey Barrikman, from First Baptist Church, was given special access to students at Forsyth Middle School. Barrikman had been allowed onto school grounds as a "visitor," a privilege he used to sit and speak with children during lunch. Back in 2015, the district had been put on notice of similar recruitment tactics by First Baptist Church.
On March 31, FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott cautioned the school district against its unconstitutional endorsement of First Baptist Church and allowance of evangelization during the lunch period.
"This predatory conduct is inappropriate and should raise many red flags," Elliott wrote to Superintendent Jeff Mingus.
Mingus responded on April 7 informing FFRF that adjustments had been made to ensure that school visitors do not violate the separation of religion and school.
A California high school soccer coach will be keeping his hands and blessings off athletes after FFRF blew the whistle on the constitutional foul.
It was brought to FFRF's attention by a concerned community member that the coach was leading his players in prayer before games, which involved the "laying of hands" ritual.
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Los Banos Unified School District Acting Superintendent Dean Bubar on March 24. After receiving Ziegler's letter, the district looked into the matter and discussed the First Amendment violation with the coach. Bubar wrote to inform FFRF on March 30 that the coach assured the district he would refrain from promoting or participating in religious rituals during the next soccer season.
FFRF and the Center For Inquiry were informed by a local resident of Alto, Mich., of an unconstitutional cross memorial monument at Alto Veterans Park.
The memorial displayed a black cutout of a soldier kneeling and a Christian cross.
FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert and CFI Vice President Nicholas Little wrote to the Alto Downtown Development Authority to express concern over the religious display to honor all veterans, especially when 25 percent of military personnel identify as atheist or agnostic.
Markert and Little pointed out that the memorial sent out a message that the government only cares about the deaths of Christian soldiers and not non-Christian or nonreligious soldiers.
The organizations were informed on March 29 that the memorial had been removed and would not be reinstalled.
Two teachers at Jones-Wheat Elementary School in Georgia's Decatur County Schools District will no longer be teaching students to pray after FFRF got involved.
A concerned parent contacted FFRF to report that their child had recited prayers at home that they had learned in school. It was discovered that multiple teachers at the school had been engaging in the prayer practice resulting in the indoctrination of schoolchildren.
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler contacted Decatur County Schools Superintendent Tim Cochran on January 18.
After receiving Ziegler's letter, FFRF was informed that Cochran held a meeting with all district administrators to remind each employee of the prohibitions on religious expression set forth by the Establishment Clause.
Thanks to FFRF, a Colorado public high school's digital marquee will no longer display advertisements for Orchard Church.
Since 2012, Prairie View High School has permanently displayed the sign promoting a Christian message. It was donated by the church as a way of showcasing the unconstitutional partnership between the school and Orchard Church.
For years, the high school has allowed the church to use its building for religious services, and now the church plans to strengthen this alliance by building its own facility next door.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to School District 27J Superintendent Chris Fiedler on March 1.
District General Council Janet K. Wyatt responded on March 20 that the sign listing Orchard Church activities would no longer be displayed starting in March and that all references to Orchard Church would be removed from the sign once the school year ends in May.
Two instances of unconstitutional religious promotion by staff in California's Del Norte County Unified School District were brought to FFRF's attention.
A weekly bulletin distributed to staff at Del Norte High School and put on display in the school's hallway contained a religious saying at the end which read: "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." FFRF was also informed that at the district's Bess Maxwell Elementary School, a cafeteria worker had handed out pencils to students on Valentine's Day with notes attached reading "Jesus [heart]'s You and I Do Too!"
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Del Norte County USD Superintendent Jeff Harris on March 17.
Harris wrote back that day, informing FFRF that the high school principal had dealt with the religious wording in the bulletin and that the district administration was addressing the inappropriate gift given out on Valentine's Day.
Starting this spring, the Bradbury Science Museum in New Mexico will show a new film to replace a movie that unnecessarily endorsed religion and distorted historical fact.
FFRF was informed by several concerned citizens across the country of religious imagery in a movie being shown at the Bradbury Science Museum, which is a part of a government-run laboratory. The movie, "The Town that Never Was," displays religious iconography and prayers to Catholic deities in its first two minutes, apparently to contrast Catholicism with the Nazi regime.
"The clumsy attempt at contrast is a distraction that happens to endorse religion in an inappropriate manner," wrote Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker to Bradbury Science Museum Director Linda Deck in November 2016.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a follow-up letter to Linda Deck on Feb. 21 asking for the religious imagery to be edited out. Deck responded on March 14 that a more appropriate history film would replace "The Town that Never Was."
Promotion of false, creationist "science" will no longer be undermining the education of students in the Rusk Independent School District in Texas.
A concerned school district community member brought it to FFRF's attention that the Rusk Junior High School principal had gathered students in the school auditorium in the middle of the school day to view an anti-evolution video. The video featured religious arguments against objective scientific information about the process of evolution. One such argument was that whales could not have evolved to survive deep water pressures and that, therefore, the biblical god must have been the creator.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote on Feb. 23 to inform the district that it is illegal for the public school to teach students creationism, intelligent design or any other religiously based story as an alternative to evolution.
Rusk ISD Superintendent Scott Davis wrote back on March 13 informing FFRF that the situation had been investigated and the high school's principal had been directed to cease showing creationist videos.
The Matagorda County Sheriff's Department in Texas will no longer be posting religious messages online after FFRF stepped in.
A local county resident informed FFRF that the department had regularly been posing religious messages, such as bible verses and prayers, on its Facebook page. While the posts were prompted by the untimely deaths of two department employees, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover informed Sheriff Frank Osborne and the department in a letter sent Feb. 8 that public endorsement of religion was an inappropriate way to mourn the tragic events.
Osborne replied on March 6 informing FFRF that the deputy who ran the Facebook page containing the religious posts had been asked to discontinue the site.
Florida's Walton County School District put an end to classroom prayers in its public elementary school after FFRF got involved.
A concerned district family informed FFRF that a teacher at West DeFuniak Elementary was imposing prayer on her third-grade class. The year before, the teacher had been doing the same with her second-grade class. FFRF was told that she was lining her students up against a wall to sanitize their hands and then praying with them before lunch. When the family addressed the concern with the school principal, she failed to take action.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter Feb. 28 to WCSD Superintendent Russell Hughes.
Hughes responded on March 3 that he would begin the recommended investigation. FFRF was later informed that classroom prayers had ended.
A teacher at a Texas public high school will no longer be evangelizing students by forcing them to listen to religious music in her class, thanks to FFRF's involvement.
A concerned student contacted FFRF about a teacher at the Trenton High School who would broadcast a Christian playlist from Spotify over loudspeakers in the classroom. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the school district to ensure that the district not allow its employees promote their personal religious beliefs to students during the school day.
"It is inappropriate for a public school teacher to promote religion during class, regardless of whether that promotion is part of a lesson plan," wrote Grover to Trenton Independent School District Superintendent Rick Foreman on Feb. 28.
Foreman responded on March 1 informing FFRF that the situation had been investigated and the teacher had agreed to stop playing Christian music immediately.
Faculty in a Texas school district will no longer be weaseling Christianity into its curriculum after FFRF attorneys took action.
Mark Sevarino, biology teacher at McKinney North High School, had distributed a written assignment to students setting up two sides of a debate about whether to teach creationism in science classes. The handout used creationist rhetoric and introduced students to common creationist beliefs.
In a letter to the district on Feb. 7, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover informed the school district that attempts to smuggle religion into science classrooms as "alternative theories" had failed in court.
"Courts have consistently held that creationism is a religious concept without scientific merit," wrote Grover. "We worry that Sevarino is similarly attempting to present creationism as a viable scientific alternative to evolution through a classroom assignment."
Grover went on to express FFRF's concern over an advertisement to parents for a private religious ministry program which had been distributed via email by a school district staff member.
Crawford responded on Feb. 21 to inform FFRF that Mr. Sevarino's assignment was intended to be in line with curricular goals and not to advance a religious message. The district also took action to ensure that no staff member would promote an exclusively religious event in the future.
A Christian organization won't be allowed to continue proselytizing students during lunch hours at schools in the Baldwin County School District in Georgia after FFRF got involved.
FFRF was informed that members of Young Life, a religious organization whose mission involves "introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith," had been permitted to attend lunches at Oak Middle School and Baldwin High School. During the lunches, members of the group would befriend students and recruit them for club meetings. These were "WyldLife" meetings, a group with the goal of converting students to Christianity.
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Baldwin County School District Superintendent Noris Price on Nov. 23, 2016, to voice FFRF's objection to the unique access the Christian ministers were given to evangelize students during the school day on school property.
On Feb. 16, the district's attorney office responded to inform FFRF that the school district administration had talked to the members of Young Life, who had been voluntarily tutoring students, to tell them they are not to discuss religion during tutoring sessions.
Students at a Texas school will not be coerced into receiving bibles as part of a misinformed lesson on "free speech" after FFRF contacted the College Station Independent School District about the constitutional violation.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that a social studies teacher at Oakwood Intermediate School had announced to students that the class would be participating in the springtime Gideon bible distribution to learn about the First Amendment. The activity was to involve walking off of school property to a crosswalk where the Gideons would be handing out bibles. The students would be given a "choice" whether to take a bible before returning to class.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to school district Superintendent Clark Ealy on Jan. 26 to ensure that the teacher would not be permitted to illegally facilitate a bible distribution while representing the district.
On Feb. 15, Oakwood Principal Josh Symank wrote back to assure FFRF that "under no circumstance" would the teacher be taking students to receive bibles. He also informed FFRF that he would be discussing the incident with the entire campus during an upcoming faculty meeting to guarantee that all staff understand and comply with the constitutional separation between church and state.
Furthermore, Symank wrote that his administrative team would be stationed on the day of the bible distribution to make sure that no students escorted by faculty would meet with the Gideons.
FFRF reminded the Lewisville Independent School District in Texas that employees must not endorse their personal spiritual beliefs to students through religious displays.
A community member informed FFRF that a cross was visibly hanging in a classroom of Arbor Creek Middle School promoting the teacher's Christian views to students. On Feb. 8, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the school district's superintendent, Kevin Rogers, asking that the cross be removed.
Lewisville ISD's legal director called to inform FFRF on Feb. 13 that the cross had been removed from the classroom.
FFRF learned that coaches in Texas' Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District were illegally participating in prayers with its student-athletes.
Coaches from Byron P. Steele II High School, Samuel Clemens High School and Ray D. Corbett Junior High School had engaged in prayers.
Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Greg Gibson on Jan. 25 to inform the school district that it is illegal for public school coaches to organize or participate in prayer with their teams.
Gibson responded on Feb. 9 that he worked with the athletic director and health educator to schedule training for all coaches on complying with the Constitution.
FFRF has dissuaded a Virginia city’s park and rec department from hosting a trip to the infamous “Ark Park” and creationist museum.
A resident informed FFRF that the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department was arranging a visit in early April to the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum in Kentucky. The excursion was advertised on the city’s website.
FFRF urged the city to refrain from organizing an outing to such overtly religious sites, and the city responded within a couple of days.
“Please be advised that the trip has been cancelled and will be removed from the town of Christiansburg’s website,” the city’s legal counsel wrote.
The Ark Encounter is a Christian ministry run by the creationist Ken Ham, who also built the Creation Museum. Ham has been open about the proselytizing nature of his projects right since the beginning.
“We are eagerly approaching what I believe will be a historic moment in Christendom,” he stated in a 2016 letter outlining his motive. “It’s the opening of the one of the greatest Christian outreaches of our era."
FFRF was informed that a statue of an angel with its hands clasped in prayer had been put up in a public park in Kokomo, Ind. The display conferred government endorsement of Christianity over all other faiths or no faith.
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department's superintendent on June 3, 2015, asking that the statue be removed from the park or to a more private location.
After several follow-ups, FFRF was informed on Feb. 6 of this year that the statue had been removed by the city park department's new superintendent.
FFRF took action to end a partnership between the Decatur Public Schools District in Illinois and two local churches after learning of a constitutional violation.
The school district had partnered with Glad Tidings Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church for six half-day retreats at the churches. FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to the district's administrators on Dec. 21, 2016, reminding them that public schools may not advance or promote religion.
The school district's attorney contacted FFRF early this February to inform the organization that the partnership program with the churches had been suspended and cancelled for the next year.
A Florida judge says a prayer lawsuit against a high school athletic league should be tossed out. FFRF filed an amicus brief in the case.
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Amanda Arnold Sansone issued a Feb. 3 recommendation to dismiss a case brought by Cambridge Christian School against the Florida High School Athletic Association. The First Liberty Institute, a theocratic group, filed the suit in September, arguing that the association was mandated to allow Cambridge Christian to deliver a Christian prayer over the PA system at state championship events. Sansone found that Cambridge Christian's request for a preliminary injunction should be denied and its suit should be dismissed.
In Louisiana, the Caldwell Parish High School football team's coaches have been warned not to promote religion to the team in the future.
FFRF was informed that a coach had been taking the team to church. The coach had also been exposing the athletes to religious movies and music. The coach had described his efforts to indoctrinate student-athletes into Christianity as "faith-based team building."
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent John Gullatt on Sept. 16, 2016, about the violations.
The school district's attorney responded in writing to FFRF on Feb. 1, that the coaches had been reminded of the district's policies against religious promotion.
An Illinois school district has confirmed to FFRF that its staff members will not remain involved in a school gospel choir.
FFRF initially contacted the Oak Park and River Forest High in December after a local community member informed the organization that there was a gospel choir at the school being led by the school's outreach coordinator.
"It is wholly inappropriate for a public school to teach its students songs of Christian worship," FFRF's Elaine and Eric Stone Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Interim Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams on Jan. 23. In a letter received on Jan. 25, the district informed FFRF that it would adhere to the law.
A parent with a child in Victoria School District in Texas contacted FFRF to report instances of religious promotion at Ella Schorlemmer Elementary School. A Christian prayer was part of the school's Veterans Day celebration and a teacher at the elementary school incorporated religious worksheets into a lesson plan.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Robert Jaklich on Dec. 22, 2016, asking that the school district refrain from including religious rituals during public school assemblies and that teachers not incorporate religious instruction or devotional teachings into their lesson plans.
Jaklich responded on Jan. 24 that steps had been taken to ensure that the violations would not recur.
An Indiana school district has pledged to FFRF that it will not permit the distribution of fundamentalist flyers to its students.
A resident contacted FFRF to inform it that staff at Yankeetown Elementary School in Newburgh, Ind., were distributing ultrareligious flyers to third- and fourth-grade female students. The handouts were a description of POP Girls ("Pearls Of Purity"), a Christian ministry promoting the "wisdom of Christ."
FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Warrick County Schools Superintendent Brad Schneider on Jan. 20, cautioning the school district about disseminating such material.
"This flyer should not have been approved and we will put steps in place to prevent objectionable flyers to slip through the cracks in the future," Schneider responded on Jan. 24. "You have my word that flyers of this nature will not be distributed home in the future."
Educators at Grant County Schools in Kentucky have been reminded of their responsibility to uphold the First Amendment's requirement that they not proselytize religion.
FFRF was alerted to a published nativity display in the high school's newsletter, accompanied with the phrase "Merry Christmas." FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to Superintendent Donald Ruberg on Jan. 17, asking that the school refrain from including religious iconography in their newsletters and that staff be reminded of their constitutional duty to remain neutral toward religion.
On Jan. 19, the attorney for Grant County Schools communicated that the superintendent would meet with the school district's principals and let them know that the newsletter nativity was inappropriate and why.
The city of Zachary, La., has changed its rules to ensure that its annual "Mayor's Prayer Breakfast" will no longer violate the First Amendment by receiving city endorsement.
The city's website promoted the annual breakfast as a "Christian event," which was held in a church. FFRF's Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Mayor David Amrhein on Dec. 16, 2016, informing him that the event violated the Constitution.
Amrhein responded on Jan. 17 with a list of changes that the city would make in future prayer breakfasts to avoid city endorsement. Amrhein informed FFRF that the event would take place at a non-city facility, not use city resources or funds, not require mandatory attendance by city employees and not be mentioned on the city's website.
An Illinois school district has apologized to FFRF for a coach's participation in prayer gatherings at school events.
On Dec. 26, 2016, after a basketball game between Vandalia Community High School and Pana High School, Coach Brian Buscher took part in a prayer circle with students of both teams.
In a letter sent on Jan. 11 to Vandalia Community Unit School District #203 Superintendent Rich Well, FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne reminded him that it is illegal for public school coaches to lead, organize or participate in prayers with their students.
"Please accept our apology," Well emailed back a few days after receiving FFRF's letter. "Our Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Brian Buscher has been notified that no coaches are allowed to participate."
An Auburn, Ala., elementary school assured FFRF that it will not be promoting Christianity or a religious group.
Dean Road Elementary School distributed flyers and used social media postings to promote "All Pro Dad" events, which the school was hosting throughout the school year. All Pro Dad is a group that promotes "family values," along with Christian prayer and worship.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover first wrote to Auburn City Schools Superintendent Karen DeLano on July 16, 2015, about the unlawful flyers. After several interactions, an attorney representing the school district replied to FFRF on Jan. 12 that there would not be any promotion or endorsement by the school of a religious organization.
Religious artwork hanging on the office wall of Bob Miller Middle School in Henderson, Nev., has been taken down after FFRF took action on a complaint.
The organization received a report that a cross and a reference to Jesus were being displayed on the BMMS Dean of Students' office wall. FFRF's Patrick O'Reiley Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to School District General Counsel Carlos McDade on Dec. 22, 2016, asking that the Christian iconography be taken down.
McDade responded in a letter to FFRF on Jan. 11 writing that the employee had removed the displays of religious symbolism.
FFRF was able to get the Upper Arlington City Council in Ohio to amend its rules to comply with the Constitution.
FFRF received a complaint that the council was having government officials lead invocations at the beginning of its meetings when a local minister was not present. FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to City Council President Donald Leach on Dec. 6, 2016, informing him that not only is prayer at government meetings unnecessary and divisive, but it is illegal for officials to lead prayers at government meetings.
FFRF received a response from City Attorney Jamie Hummer on Jan. 6, who wrote that the council amended their rules to state that neither council members or employees are permitted to conduct the prayer.
A nativity display was removed from an Ohio public high school's property after FFRF took action.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that a December nativity scene had been put up for the second year in a row at Buckeye Local High School in Rayland. FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert informed district officials on Dec. 20, 2016, that the display was unconstitutional because it signaled that the school district preferred Christianity over all other faiths or no religion.
Interim Superintendent Scott Celestin informed FFRF on Dec. 28 that the nativity scene had been taken down after receiving Markert's letter.
A community member contacted FFRF to report that a radio in the front office of Osceola (Wis.) Intermediate School regularly played a Christian station loudly enough for everyone passing by to hear. The station was St. Paul-based 98.5 KTIS, which describes itself as a "ministry" that "communicat[es] God's message in the Twin Cities" in order "to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their faith through Christ-centered media."
FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Osceola School District Supertintendent Mark Luebker with FFRF's concerns, and the district complied.
"Effective Jan. 1, 2017, the Osceola Intermediate School office will refrain from playing 98.5 KTIS or other religious programming while students or parents are present," Luebker responded.
On behalf of a local resident, FFRF recently wrote to the North Carolina town of Butner objecting to a nativity scene in a public park that had been placed there for years around Christmas. It was a large exhibit prominently displayed across from the Butner Town Hall that featured figurines and lights illuminating it at night.
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to Butner Mayor Vicky Cates about the violation, and the town responded.
The town has sent FFRF an official acknowledgement of the removal of the nativity scene.
Teachers at an elementary school in Guilford, Maine, have been reminded of their constitutional duty to not promote religion in their public roles as educators.
FFRF received notice that a third-grade teacher at Piscataquis Community Elementary School had handed out a coloring page depicting a pious turkey with wording that read, "Thank You God for everything — for family, friends and fun — but most of all for Jesus, My Savior and Your Son."
FFRF sent a letter to Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick on Dec. 21, 2016, who responded a month later that the matter had been investigated, and that the teachers understood their obligation to refrain from any religious promotion in the classroom.
In December 2015, a nativity scene was on display at a publicly owned manor in Wadena, Minn. The manor is owned and managed by the Wadena Housing and Redevelopment Authority and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott contacted the housing authority to inform it of the constitutional violation.
FFRF's local complainant reported this past December that the nativity scene was not put back on display during the holiday season.
FFRF contacted Wayne City Community Unit School District #100 in October to object to a posting on Wayne City High School's Facebook account about a "Bring Your Bible to School" day. The announcement gave a location (school library), time and day to meet and "pray over the day."
FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Superintendent Jeff Mitchell and pointed out that such an announcement violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
The Wayne City school district has promised to prevent any future misuse of its social media.
Cross removed (no official response; complainant emailed STG on December 6, 2016 to let him know that the cross was removed)
In mid-December, FFRF was able to persuade the city of Longview, Texas, to remove a cross from a Texas fire station's lawn in front of the station's sign. After FFRF heard from an area resident, Grover wrote to Longview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman about the violation. City officials then told the fire department to remove the cross.
"A cross that caused a stir when it was erected a year ago as part of a Longview fire station's Christmas display went up again this year — until city officials asked firefighters to remove it," the Longview News-Journal reports.
"It's our practice to follow what case law has shown throughout the United States," city spokesperson Shawn Hara told the paper. "So that is to not display on our city-owned property displays that are specifically sectarian — things like the cross."
A football coach in Michigan's Millington Community School district will no longer be participating in or leading prayer with student-athletes after FFRF blew the whistle on the unlawful violations.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that after a November football game hosted by Millington High School against Detroit Central High School, both teams joined each other on the field to pray together. This prayer involved Millington head coach Roger Bearss.
FFRF Managing Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert informed Millington Community Schools Superintendent Bruce Martin that it is illegal for public school athletic coaches to lead their teams in prayer or to permit someone else to.
Martin informed FFRF that the situation had been discussed with Bearss, who had been made aware of the church and state violation regarding coach participating in prayer with student-athletes.
A Christian flag displayed in an office window at Stephen F. Austin State University has been removed after FFRF raised concerns.
The flag displayed the image of the Latin cross, the global symbol for Christianity, and was visibly hanging in the office window of the university's processing coordinator for admissions, Dorinda Byly. FFRF's Grover contacted the university president about the constitutional violation in the university's expression of favoritism for Christianity above other religions or no religion.
FFRF received notice on Dec. 16 from General Counsel Damon Derrick that the flag had been removed from the window.
Coaches in an Arkansas public school district will no longer be promoting personal religious beliefs after FFRF presented video evidence of a Harmony Grove School District football coach and a team chaplain leading his team in prayer before a game.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Daniel Henley, informing him of the dual constitutional violations of district staff praying with students and athletic team chaplains in a public school setting.
In reply, Henley claimed that the prayer had been organized by a student-
athlete and that the coaches did not organize or participate in the prayer. Grover then presented two pieces of video evidence clearly displaying a pastor leading the players and coaches in a team prayer.
On Dec. 12, Henley stated in an email that, after reviewing the video evidence, he had met with the district's athletic director and head football coach and had been assured that coach-led prayer would cease.
FFRF was informed that the annual Gun & Knife Show in Cumberland County, Tenn., which is co-sponsored by the county, included an advertisement for free admission this past summer for anyone presenting a church bulletin. This kind of discount violates the federal Civil Rights Act.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Mayor Kenneth Carey, Jr., who was also the chair of the County Commission.
Carey responded in December, telling FFRF that he spoke with the facility manager to ensure this discriminatory promotion would not be used at future events.
An Alabama school district will have its staff undergo training to reacquaint them with constitutional principles.
FFRF contacted the Blount County School District in November 2016, after a parent at Hayden Primary School informed it that a second-grade teacher there asks the "class leader" of the day to lead a prayer when the class lines up for lunch.
FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Blount County Schools Superintendent Rodney Green
The school district proved to be very responsive to FFRF's concerns.
"We have every reason to believe that our teachers in the Blount County System understand what the law requires," the school district's legal counsel replied. "However, Superintendent Green advises he and his staff will conduct professional development with Blount County teachers in January 2017 on board policy and the Establishment Clause."
During the 2015 holiday season, the Roopville Elementary School in Georgia posted a religious message on its marquee, reading, "For God so loved the world, He sent his only Son. Merry Christmas."
FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Superintendent Phillip Hartley to ask that he ensure that the school is aware of the constitutional prohibition of displays of religious messages in public schools.
Hartley replied on Dec. 9, informing FFRF that he had discussed the requirements with the principal and assistant superintendent.
It was brought to FFRF's attention that the Gulfport (Miss.) School District staff was regularly propagating their personal religious belief to students in the public school. Several counselors had been handing out Christian-based informative packets to students, and every week staff members held a bible study with students.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Glen East to complain about the multiple violations. FFRF's complainant reported that the district had complied with FFRF's request by removing posters advertising religion, ceasing to pass out Christian materials during school hours and ending bible study sessions.
A Centerville, Ga., resident contacted FFRF to report a city-owned recycling center displaying a sign reading, "Pray for our nation." The sign was in full view for anyone using the center.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Centerville City Clerk Krista Bedingfield, and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings wrote back to inform him that the sign had been removed from the recycling center.
A concerned community member in the Camden County School District in Georgia informed FFRF that district employees had involved themselves in a religious student club at the high school and middle school. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes was meeting before school on Tuesdays with district employees and outside adults leading, regularly attending and participating in the meetings, in violation of the Equal Access Act.
FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Camden County Schools Superintendent William Hardin to remind him that public schools may not advance, prefer or promote religion.
Hardin wrote back on Dec. 6, informing FFRF that he had discussed the constitutional violations with the principals of both schools.
Adults in the Sarasota County School District in Florida organized and participated in "See You at the Pole" events put on by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at county schools in November. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel contacted Superintendent Lori White about the violation.
White wrote back on Dec. 6 informing FFRF that she had instructed district administrators to remind the school principals not to allow staff promotion of religion in the schools through student clubs.
FFRF's persistent efforts persuaded an Indiana school district to remove prayer from the local high school's graduation ceremony.
Jennings County High School in North Vernon, Ind., had prayers as part of its graduation ceremonies in both 2015 and 2016. FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to Jennings County Schools Superintendent Terry Sargent about the violation.
Initially, Jennings County Schools replied in a legalistic manner, but after FFRF sent a number of follow-up letters, it did the right thing.
"Please be advised that Jennings County School Corporation will no longer incorporate prayer as an official aspect of any program," the school district's legal counsel writes in a recent letter.
After FFRF's involvement, Madisonville High School in Texas has made changes to its spiritually discriminatory and unconstitutional apparel policy.
FFRF received a complaint from a student at the high school, who had been told by the school's vice principal, Kathleen Golden, to remove an inverted cross necklace and pentagram ring and was threatened with expulsion if he did not. Golden allegedly told the student that he should "practice his bloody religion somewhere else."
The school dress code had banned attire that could be interpreted as promoting or insinuating demonism, such as satanic symbols. Grover wrote to the Madisonville CISD informing the district that it could not draw a distinction between student religious expression and which religion they choose to express.
On Dec. 1, Madisonville High School Principal Heath Brown called to inform FFRF that the district would remove discriminatory language in its dress code.
After receiving a complaint that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Montana's Rockwood School District was receiving special treatment in its advertising, FFRF Legal Fellow Madeline Ziegler contacted Superintendent Eric Knost.
The club was given preferential treatment by being displayed on a permanent board at Eureka High School, a privilege that other clubs were not allowed.
Knost replied on Dec. 1 informing FFRF that Rockford school administrators would be reminded that religious-related student groups are not to be given preference over other noncurricular student groups.
FFRF has put an end to church advertising through an Oklahoma public school district after Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel contacted Superintendent Brad Overton.
A local district family informed FFRF that Cordell Public Schools had partnered with several local churches to provide school supplies to children. The churches were taking advantage of the school's charitable goal by using the partnership to recruit church members.
Overton wrote back, informing FFRF that changes had been made to the supplies distribution system to eliminate any religious endorsement.
Action was taken by FFRF after it was informed that Hartford (Kan.) High School's mandatory drunk-driving awareness assembly had opened with a prayer, led by the school's Athletic Christian Team sponsor Mike Watkins.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to Superintendent Michael Argabright to inform him of the violation.
A response dated Nov. 30 informed FFRF that the principal of the building where the assembly had been held had addressed the issue with Watkins and that the prayer would not happen again.
The Gunter Independent School District in Texas has been educated on its obligation to uphold the Establishment Clause of the US. Constitution after violations made by staff members.
FFRF took action after receiving a report that a social studies teacher at Gunter High School, Kerry Clement, had shown his ninth-grade class the trailer for the 1991 movie "Not Without My Daughter" when teaching about Islam. Clement supplemented the trailer with statements that all Muslims have multiple wives and that they are "hateful" and "wife beaters." In contrast, Clement spent two days discussing Christianity with the class and teaching the tenets of Christianity as factual information by presenting a video about the miracles performed by Jesus in the bible.
Grover wrote to the school district asking it to ensure that its employees not promote religious beliefs in the classroom.
On Nov. 29, FFRF received a response from a firm representing Gunter ISD stating that Clement would ensure that all religions are represented in a historically and culturally accurate manner in the future. Christian ad removed
A sign advertising a Christian after-school program, Kids Beach Club, has been removed from the wall of Wester Elementary School in Texas after FFRF took action.
The sign, which read "Making Jesus cool at school!" had been permanently posted on the cafeteria wall of the public elementary school.
Grover expressed the FFRF's objection to the district's appearance of a government endorsement of a religious message to Lubbock Independent School District Berhel Robertson.
"When a school permanently displays a sign on its property advertising a Christian club, it has unconstitutionally entangled itself with a religious message," wrote Grover.
An attorney representing Lubbock ISD informed FFRF on Dec. 22 that the advertisement had been removed from the school and communicated that the district had agreed that it never should have been put up.
A Missouri high school basketball team will not continue to partner with a religious ministry in its summer camp program, thanks to FFRFs involvement.
FFRF was informed of a constitutional violation occurring in the Eldon School District after the high school basketball team announced that it would be partnering with Sports Crusaders to host summer athletic camps for fourth- through eighth-grade students.
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to Superintendent Matt Davis asking that the district end its school's partnership with the religious ministry.
On Nov. 23, an email from Davis was sent to FFRF informing the legal staff that he had visited with the basketball coach to ensure this legal violation would not happen again.