Can Athletes or Other Students Have Prayer Before Sporting Event in Small Groups?
Yes. Prayer before sporting events by groups of students, such as the group prayers frequently seen on the sidelines of professional sporting events, is legal. Voluntary, student-led prayers are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. While the school district cannot encourage these prayers or cause any student to feel compelled to participate, it is also illegal for the school, or any other entity or person, to prohibit them. Schools may only prohibit First Amendment speech by students, including prayers, if it materially and substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school. In order to avoid interfering with these requirements, students wishing to pray in groups before games should generally observe the rules the school applies to pre-game activities by other groups, such as not blocking emergency exits, etc.
Related Questions
- May students be scheduled to test in smaller groups, even if they are not students with disabilities who have the accommodation for a small group setting?
- What is the reason students participate in IMPACT Groups? Why are Prairie Bible College students required to participate in a small group community?
- Can Students Lead a Public Prayer Before Sporting Events During Pre-Game Ceremonies?
