The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling on Boise State University to address unconstitutional religious coercion after head coach Spencer Danielson declared his intent to infuse the football program with Christianity.
He boasted that the program would give “Jesus the glory” and be a “light on a hill.” Danielson said anyone uncomfortable with his religious agenda should not attend Boise State or join the football team.
FFRF, a national state/church watchdog, has sent a complaint letter to Office of the General Counsel with Boise State University noting that as a public university, Boise State is bound by the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits government institutions from showing favoritism toward or coercing belief or participation in religion. Danielson’s insensitive comments send a clear message that participation in the football program is tied to religious belief — an exclusionary and unconstitutional stance that alienates non-Christian and nonreligious athletes.
“Players’ conduct is closely monitored, directed and critiqued by coaching staff,” writes FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence. “Players trying to please Coach Danielson will no doubt feel immense pressure to go along with this proselytizing and participate in his vision of giving ‘glory to Jesus’ through the football program.”
FFRF emphasizes that student-athletes should be judged on athletic ability and character, not their willingness to conform to a coach’s religious ideology. No student should feel pressured to participate in religious activities or express religious devotion to be part of a public university team.
FFRF is urging Boise State University to take immediate action to ensure that its football program respects the constitutional rights of all students by reaffirming its commitment to religious neutrality. The university must make it clear that Danielson’s comments do not reflect official policy, that his statements are ruled out-of-bounds and that all students, regardless of faith or nonbelief, are reassured they are welcome and valued members of the Boise State community.
“The coach is not only placing a Christian litmus test on potential and current student players, which is illegal, but is overtly saying nonreligious or non-Christian students are not welcome at this public university,” adds FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “University officials need to rein him in immediately before he does any more damage.”
FFRF notes that three in 10 adult Americans today have no religion and close to half of Generation Z is religiously unaffiliated.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with nearly 42,000 members nationwide, including hundreds of members in Idaho. FFRF’s purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between church and state, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
