Last week, it was confirmed that school staff cannot lead their students in prayer.
This comprises teachers and staff from Putnam County’s two high schools, Upperman and Cookeville High School. Additionally, coaches for athletic teams are not permitted to participate in the prayers. A non-profit organization named Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a complaint against many incidents in which they claimed persons were evangelizing or attempting to convert others at events hosted by these same districts’ schools.
They assert that many cases involve prayers and proselytizing in schools. Courts have consistently ruled against such methods in public organizations such as town committees and school boards, establishing the law on this topic. According to the organization, such activities might include students from both religious minorities and non-believer groups. They do not want prayers to be held in such circumstances because they may offend individuals who do not believe in the doctrines.
A great WIN for C-S Separation! “This came in response to a letter from @americansunited who wrote to PCS that there were several instances of prayer and proselytizing at events at Cookeville and Upperman high schools.” 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾https://t.co/qdrv97MoF6
— Americans United (@americansunited) September 18, 2021
In response to the claims, PCS Superintendent Arnold Reed stated that the district recognizes the value of prayer in students’ lives. Prayer is protected by the free-speech and religion provisions, as well as Tennessee state law, which safeguards students’ rights to peaceful assembly. During a phone conversation on October 15th, the PCS informed parents of recent incidences on campus in which Upperman High School seniors were seen praying with leaders from other schools at Cookeville events such as football games or prom celebrations the prior year.
He goes on to say that they favor participation in prayers as long as it isn’t disruptive.
Previously, there were concerns when people led prayers without permission. However, in his interview, he clears up any misunderstandings that may have arisen among individuals who are opposed to such behavior because they feel excluded from such situations.
What a shot. Student-led prayer in Putnam County, TN. https://t.co/JOAVnWOTmD
— Jennifer Waddell (@TheJenWaddell) September 20, 2021
POWERFUL PHOTO 🙏🏈Football players led parents and fans in prayer after Friday night’s game in Putnam County after coaches were told they can’t lead students in prayer https://t.co/pgXAkZI1K3 pic.twitter.com/arAH2zjv6p
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) September 20, 2021
Dustin Whitefield was among the parents who decided to attend Upperman’s football game versus Stone Memorial High School on Friday. He claims that he and other parents were doing this since it was always an option for them, rather than something required or forced, as some may imagine. “We do realize this is a public school,” added Dustin in his email statement, “but prayer has never really come into question before.
The game was close, but Upperman ultimately triumphed. Following a 27-9 triumph on Friday night, the players and cheerleaders emerged victors on their own. However, the players were not the only ones that participated in the celebrations. They were joined by parents, who demonstrated unity by joining hands as they walked onto midfield for the prayer circle!
The postgame festivities made headlines once more because there were so many more individuals showing their support from afar: parents banding together in an act witnessed only since 9/11, when some American Muslims began having such meetings at NFL games around the country. Bob Vick, a resident, shared a photo of the prayer and the players’ camaraderie on Facebook.
He wrote that this victory is a sign from God to continue fighting against Satan’s power in society, which he felt had been defeated tonight due to student-led prayers significantly supported by parents at Upperman Memorial High School. After satanic threats were overwhelmed, players were encouraged spiritually to express themselves. They don’t fear being attacked during prayers since they know the institution got their back.