In a recent development, it has been confirmed that school employees, including teachers and staff at Putnam County’s two high schools, Upperman High School and Cookeville High School, are not permitted to lead their students in prayer. Even coaches for athletic teams are prohibited from participating in such prayers. This decision comes in response to a complaint filed by the non-profit organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State, citing instances of proselytizing during events at these schools.
According to the organization, numerous cases have involved prayers and proselytizing within the school environment, leading to potential discomfort for students of various religious backgrounds and non-believers alike. As a result, they advocate for the exclusion of prayers in such circumstances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a neutral educational environment.
PCS Superintendent Arnold Reed, in response to these allegations, expressed an understanding of the significance of prayer in students’ lives. He pointed out that prayer is protected under freedom-of-speech and religion clauses, as well as Tennessee state law, which safeguards students’ rights for peaceful assembly. Superintendent Reed also highlighted the importance of ensuring that prayers, when conducted, do not disrupt the educational process.
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
One parent, Dustin Whitefield, who attended the Upperman High School football game, shared his perspective. He noted that participating in prayers has always been optional, not mandatory, at public schools like Upperman. Dustin emphasized that while the game was closely contested, Upperman emerged victorious, with both players and cheerleaders coming together for a postgame prayer circle. This act of unity drew attention and support from a wide range of parents, reminiscent of the solidarity seen in American society after 9/11.
A resident, Bob Vick, took to Facebook to share a photo of the prayer and the players’ unity. He saw this victory as a sign from God, reinforcing the importance of prayer in society’s battle against what he perceived as negative forces. The strong support for student-led prayers, especially from parents, has encouraged the students to express themselves spiritually without fear of repercussions. It’s clear that the community is deeply involved in this ongoing conversation about the role of prayer in public schools.
What a shot. Student-led prayer in Putnam County, TN. https://t.co/JOAVnWOTmD
— Jennifer Waddell (@TheJenWaddell) September 20, 2021