Written by Don Byrd
Stories about the improper use of religion in high school football programs are commonplace this time of year. University athletic programs are not often subject to the same level of scrutiny.
A church-state separation advocate is asking questions, however, about the use of a football chaplain and religious programming at the University of Mississippi. The head coach worked with the chaplain at his previous school, Lambuth University, a Methodist college prior to its dissolution in 2011, before moving to the state school in 2012.
The Clarion-Ledger reports:
The Freedom From Religion Foundation . . . has sent an open records request to Ole Miss. . . . request[ing] the following information:
- All football program, university and athletic department policies regarding coach- and clergy-led prayers.
- Schedules of religious services or gatherings related to worship, including activities led by team chaplain John Powell.
- Email communication between football staff and Powell.
- Records related to Powell’s travel with the team and any financial payments or reimbursements made to him.
- Any job postings for football chaplain, or other positions related to spiritual development of football players.
- Any other records related to Powell’s work with the team.
A similar request to Clemson University was sent by the group in April.
