Overview

• Following a parent’s report of a coach-led cross-country prayer, the superintendent consulted legal counsel and issued a letter outlining the change.
• The directive covers all sports and permits private prayer by students and staff but forbids coaches from organizing or leading team prayers while on duty.
• The Freedom From Religion Foundation pressed the district to act, citing the student’s account of feeling awkward, helpless and embarrassed.
• Dozens spoke at Monday’s school board meeting, and a student-led petition titled “Put Me in Coach I’ll Pray” drew more than 1,100 signatures in 48 hours.
• Superintendent Brett Yeagley said he met with local faith leaders and will keep talking with families, while some residents objected to outside involvement and referenced a 2009 dispute over a mission statement reference to “God.”