Atheist Group Threatens Georgia High School With Lawsuit for Praying
A national atheist group is threatening to sue a Georgia high school for allegedly disobeying the constitution during school football games.
The American Humanist Association has taken issue with Chestatee High School, located in Gainesville, for reportedly violating the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution by leading prayer for the school's War Eagles football team.
Along with the football coach allegedly leading his team in prayer, the AHA accuses the high school of also allowing scriptural references to be included in football-related documents, as well as written on spirit banners that adorn the field ahead of a game.
"At times, the head coach has led the prayers, which is an egregious violation of the Establishment Clause," the American Humanist Association's letter reads. "This involvement in prayer as a 'participant, an organizer, and a leader' would unquestionably 'lead a reasonable observer to conclude that he was endorsing religion.'"
The American Humanist Association is demanding the high school, which is located in the Hall County School district, immediately stop the Christian-themed prayers or face a lawsuit from the atheist group.
Gordon Higgins, spokesman for the Hall County School District, told the Gainesville Times that the district will be investigating the alleged incident.
"We always take matters like this very seriously, and we will investigate and take whatever action is warranted," he said.
Hall Superintendent Will Schofield added: "Certainly adults shouldn't be leading children in prayers to any particular religion, but one thing we will stand behind is our students' right to prayer."
