Kentucky- An organisation of atheists and agnostics has taken issue with a prayer circle held after a high school basketball game in north-eastern Kentucky recently.
Players, cheerleaders and coaches from cross-country rivals West Carter High School and East Carter High School gathered on the court and joined hands in prayer after their game on January 26.
A photo of the prayer time was posted with a caption that said, “What a way to end the game! #cometpride #wearecartercounty.”
The Freedom from Religion Foundation issued a press statement, asking that the school employees stop paying with students and saying the school should not be using its official page “to endorse religion.” They sent a letter to Carter County Superintendent Ronnie Dotson on Feb 6, stating that “federal courts have held that even a public school coach’s silent participation in student prayer circles is unconstitutional.”
“These coaches’ conduct was unconstitutional because they endorsed and promoted religion while acting in their official capacities as school district employees,” said the letter.
Carter County School have been asked to commence an investigation into the complaint alleged and take immediate action to stop any and all school-sponsored prayers occurring within any district athletic programs.
The foundation’s post about the prayer has been shared more than 760 times and says it is “the largest free-thought association in North America.”
Photo Credit- Lexington Herald Leader
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