Players from two Tennessee high school football teams led parents and fans in a postgame prayer Friday following an announcement that all high school staff in the area, including coaches, would no longer be able to do so.
Putnam County Schools faculty members were informed earlier in September that they may not lead students in prayer following a letter from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, according to a report.
“Satan’s power was defeated tonight, as the threat of a legal action to forbid prayer after the game was overwhelmed by player lead prayer supported by parents and fans in solidarity on Overall Field,” said Bob Vick, a district alumnus and local football fan, in a Facebook post. “God bless the Baxter and Stone players for their faith and courage.”
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The group reportedly said the prayer and proselytizing at district high schools were unacceptable.
“Courts have consistently ruled that prayer and proselytizing can not be sponsored by schools or school personnel,” a school attorney said.
The district said it understands the importance of prayer in the community and supports impromptu prayers such as the one led by Upperman High School and Stone Memorial High School players Friday night.
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“We support the right of students to participate in and lead spontaneous prayers. That right is and will continue to be protected,” it said in a statement. “We also understand that faculty and staff members can not lead or participate in the spontaneous student-led prayers.”
