OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama school district has banned student-led prayer on the public address system before football games following a recent complaint.
The Opelika-Auburn News reports that attorneys for Lee County Schools replied Sept. 11 to an Aug. 31 letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation which said a parent complained about student-led prayer at Smiths Station High School's season-opening game. The school district says it will bring all schools in accordance with current federal law that prohibits school-sponsored prayer in public schools.
Schools superintendent James McCoy said in a statement that he tried to find a way for students to continue leading prayer, but ultimately found no recourse.
A group of Smiths Station students has invited community members to join in a silent one-minute prayer before each home game.