Written by Don Byrd
A football coach in Georgia led the team in prayer before and after games, held pre-game meals at a church where a preacher promoted Christianity, pressured his players to attend a Christian camp, and belittled the faith of some team members, according to a letter sent to Walker County schools by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (citations removed)
It is no defense to any of these claims to say that participation in football is voluntary. Courts have generally rejected arguments that voluntariness excuses a constitutional violation. No students should be deprived of the opportunity of playing football because they, as a matter of personal conscience, feel unable to attend a religious camp. [Coach] Mariakis may deem religion necessary to the sport, but it is simply not the place of public school employees to instruct their charges on religion.
Coaches like to discuss the importance of character and teamwork in motivating their teams. That’s a good thing, to be applauded. But when they lead a team on behalf of the public, they are charged to lead people of all faiths and no faith. Focusing on the whole life of their student is admirable, but cannot venture into steering their religious lives without running afoul of the First Amendment. A student shouldn’t have to endure attacks on their faith, or participate in religious activities, to participate fully in school activities.
