Faith

High School Coaches in Trouble for Bowing Their Heads During Student-Led Prayer in Tennessee

Several public high school football coaches in Westmoreland, Tenn. are in trouble for bowing their heads during a student-led prayer before a recent game.

According to local NBC affiliate WSMV, the coaches didn’t say anything aloud themselves, but bowed their heads in observance alongside the students.

Word got back to the principal and the school district, which found the coaches’ participation to be an uncomfortable mix of religion and public school.

“We’ve been telling our principals to kind of be looking for those things, because that is kind of a shift in how things have been done,” district spokesman Jeremy Johnson told WSMV. “It can in no way appear like it’s endorsed by Sumner County Schools personnel.”

When asked whether bowing one’s head was considered “endorsing,“ Johnson said it ”depends what it looks like.”

“That‘s where you kind of get into the gray area that we’re having to deal with,” he said.

The coaches weren’t disciplined, but were made to sign letters indicating they understood the school’s policy, which prohibits staff from appearing to participate in a student prayer in any way, even if it takes place after hours.

According to WSMV, the incident comes months after the American Civil Liberties Union sued the district for violating the separation of church and state, saying teachers led students in Bible studies, invited a pastor to come speak to students during lunch and at least one instructor displayed a 10-inch cross in their classroom.

But resident Tony Bentle, who has been refereeing football games in the town for years, said crackdown “blew [his] mind.”

“We’re just respectful, God-fearing people up here,” he said. “Nobody in this town is offended if you pray. Nobody.”

Further violations of the policy could lead to disciplinary action for the coaches.

“That’s a violation of their rights. We should be able to bow our heads in reverence to God, wherever we are,” Bentle said. “It’s time we draw a line in the sand and say, you know, this is ridiculous.”

Comments (475)

  • ricckky
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:51am

    We can’t bow our heads because of public funding–Please let all the God fearing students attend private school. For half the money we give our public schools we can generate a superior education without all the red tape–The lib progressives will never let this happen because they would have egg on their face again. In the Dallas ind. school Dist. there is one supervisor to every 10 teachers at a salary of almost $200,00.00 a year plus bennies. Shameful—non goes to education it all goes to the bureaucracy to set P. C. rules—What has happened in America–we have to get these idiots out of office—and make sure we don’t vote in a Rino

    Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:01pm

      … time to home school your kids, TN!

      Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Home schooling and Christian private schooling would do miracles for the future of this country. Christians need to take their children out of these union/communist run schools where they shove their liberal/communist/demoralization down our children’s throats. I have recently spoken to a young woman who is attending a college and she gets so sick of her english teacher shoving her liberal ideas on everyone. She has to write her papers at a liberal slant to avoid offending the teacher, but she has become very enlightened as to how the colleges are pushing a devout liberal agenda. We need to be fighting back..as a number of Americans are. Our children need to be educated in truth..not liberal lies.

      Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Maybe it’s time for parents to identify school administrators that engage in anti-Christian, anti-American behavior, and have a group “discussion” with them outside of the school…..perhaps in an alley somewhere? It’s time to give the radicals in this country something that they can understand and identify with…..a good old-fashioned @ss whipping.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:37pm

      The school board is made up of elecete officials….VOTE THEM OUT!!!
      PRAY ANYWAY!!!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:38pm

      And if the coaches whipped out some prayer mats and prayed to mecca everyone that was offended before probably wouldn’t be in the name of tolerance, and those that weren’t offended before would now be outraged.
      So what exactly were they praying for anyhow? That they would win? Or that world famine would end? I‘m guessing it wasn’t the latter…

      -Religion is like a penis: It’s fine to have one. It’s fine to be proud of it. But please don’t whip it out in public and start waving it around. We really don’t want it shoved down our throats.-

      Pontiac  
    • drattastic
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:38pm

      This BS is happening in the South ? How much more will we take ?

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • I support God's Israel!
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:50pm

      ricckky:
      Is this your answer – TO RUN? Don’t think so. ALL CHRISTIANS: STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK! What is wrong with all of you. THIS IS A SPIRITUAL FIGHT – GOD VERSUS SATAN. Who will you allow to win? It’s not like we are talking about violence, but there ARE a LOT of things you can do!!! START DOING THEM. INFILTRATE YOUR SCHOOL BOARDS – BE COMMUNITY ACTIVE. STOP WHINING AND COMPLAINING AND START DOING SOMETHING. I am a devout Christian and I do believe we need to start using the VERY SAME TACTICS that the atheists use: COMMUNITY ORGANIZING. If you don’t, YOU WILL LOSE THIS BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL.

      I am so tired of Christians complaining and yet they sit on their couches like a sack of nothingness, yell at their TVs because of things they see they do not like, and yet they DO NOTHING.

      ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE

      Kick evil in the teeth, then the butt with the power of God’s WORD. Then, take it TO THEM IN THE FORM OF INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY. BELONG TO A GOOD BIBLE-BELIEVING CHURCH THAT ACTUALLY IS INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY and IS willing to do battle against government, schools, and community atheists.

      WELL, WILL YOU? Or, will you just read these articles – vent, and then do nothing. GOD DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE SPIRIT OF FEAR – SATAN DOES. And, if you are fearful to standup , then find someone else to help you that is lik

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • wildbill_b
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:51pm

      What needs to happen is a general education of the people. The “wall of separation” is controlling ONLY on the Federal Government. States can make any religion they want the “state” religion. This was openly taught BY the government until the 1920′s.

      “Religion.—This Article, and the clause in the VTth Article, that “ no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification” for office, are the only provisions in the Federal Constitution upon the subject of religion; the whole power over the subject is left with the States;1 nor is there any inhibition placed on the States.2 The constitutional guaranty of religious freedom applies only to Congress and not to the States;8 and it takes from Congress the power to legislate in respect to mere religious opinion and elief, but leaves it free to act as to the violation of so cial duties, and as to peace and good order.4 Congress has no power to punish for disturbance of public assemblies of peaceable citizens, the preservation of the peace is a prerogative of the several States.6 These rights existed before the Constitution, and this amendment merely prohibits their abridgment.6 States may regulate the observance of the Sabbath.7.
      http://books.google.com/books?id=J0YLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=ex+parte+knowles&source=bl&ots=FQjpGDK0sj&sig=7xoNKGCW5U6xARaWY3t636fry1M&hl=en&ei=21t_Tr7AEaXlsQLJ790n&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFAQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=ex%20parte%20knowles&f=false

      Read and learn Pe

      Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:51pm

      The fear of the government is everywhere. Wait until they come and ask if you are a Christian? When you answer YES, they haul you away. That day is coming folks and I saw it coming many years ago. It is at the door. OK, don’t bow your head, God does not care as long as your spirit is bowed in loving submission to his will, so close your eyes instead if you need to. I say don’t compromise at all but if you must thats your choice.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:09pm

      There is no separation of church and state in the Constitution. This school is violating their personal rights. This has got to stop. Sue them. We are a nation founded on Christian principels. Get the he** out of our country if you don’t like it. And they dare to say even after hours. How intrusive into their personal life. And they call the Tea Party Nazis. We need a peaceful uprising in America. Take our country back and now before it is too late!!!!!

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:22pm

      Every fan there should bow their heads. Screw the ACLU.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:22pm

      Maybe they were just checking to see if their shoe laces were tied? Sounds good to me.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:23pm

      Pontiac – what an obscene comparison. One small private part of the body in comparison to the Creator of All Things!! Our country was not founded by muslims, but by the Divine Inspiration of God. Prayer to God should never be compared to indecent exposure.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • HumbleCitizen
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:34pm

      NO! You don’t preserve your freedoms by hiding slinking away from controversry! Time NOT to homeschool but to TAKE BACK THE SCHOOL!

      Christians are far too QUIET! Stand up and let yoru voice be heard.
      Stop allowing Satan to push the Christian around.

      Report Post » HumbleCitizen  
    • Time Rebel
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:40pm

      @ Ricckky: Great idea. We should demand release from the NEA and form our own group. Maybe like an education co-op for those of us who want OUT of the govt-run school system. Or vouchers to go to the private schools of our choice. Relief from public school taxes for anyone who opts out of public school education. No taxing if you don’t use the govt-run school system and can prove it! There is only oppression in public schools – very costly oppression.

      Report Post » Time Rebel  
    • paulusmaximus
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:51pm

      The people who believe that the separation of church and state is to protect the state are in a very small minority, yet we let them run our lives! It’s time to remove the progressives from power and return it to the people were it belongs. Start with the Dept. of Eduction and the Socialist judges and let the aclu go defend the “rights” of the people in Venezuela.

      Report Post » paulusmaximus  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:18pm

      @NHwinter
      Your “creator of all things” created muslims. Are you saying they do not have the same right to pray in public as you? *Gasp* Are you going to use congress to create a law respecting an establishment of your religion to keep muslims from praying at football games?

      “Prayer to God should never be compared to indecent exposure.”
      Never say never. I can spout a mean, hateful, vial prayer to God in public and you wont think it remotely decent.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:29pm

      REMOVE the DEPT. of EDUCATION. IT’S a SCAM. IT takes our money to DC and then pays high salaries to it’s CRONY CAPITALISTS before we (States) see any of it. THEN these SOCIALIST pigs think they can DICTATE how we hold our heads!!! R U KIDDING ME??????!!!

      KEEP it up you PROGRESSIVE CONTROL FREAK SOCIALIST/COMMUNISTS/ATHEISTS…. THERE ARE MORE OF US than there are of you (3.5 x more) and you will KNOW that come 2012.

      I

      AM

      SICK

      OF

      PEOPLE

      DENYING

      OR AT LEAST

      RESPECTING

      THE

      GOD

      OF THE UNIVERSE. YOU will not steal this country for SATAN. YOU JERKS !!! OBAMA BOWS to our enemies…and you are DARING to say that we can’t BOW TO GOD. YOUR day is coming.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:49pm

      YO, CRUDE PONTIAC or whatever… keep it clean or get off board.

      GOD created MUSLIMS dear, yes He did…but HE did NOT Create ISLAM…that came from SATAN. I pray for MUSLIMS and ALL of GOD’S children. I pray that JESUS comes soon and wipes out ISLAM..(Satan) PS I just reported you for your graphic language. GROW UP, CLEAN UP before you come back.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 3:38pm

      @PATTY HENRY
      “ISLAM…that came from SATAN.”
      Whoop de doo. Islam says the same of you.

      “keep it clean or get off board.”
      Did you bother to report TXPilot for inciting violence with colorful language? Nope.

      “a good old-fashioned @ss whipping.” (for people that don’t goosestep to his beliefs) -TXPilot

      Stop implying you have some sort of moral superiority when you don’t condemn such rhetoric from your own kind. I was simply voicing “my beliefs” and you clearly couldn’t handle it, now you want someone to silence me for my profound statement. The hypocrisy is resounding.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • Bearfoot
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:11pm

      Chief George,

      Your comment is a valid one.

      Government restriction on prayer is not new as Daniel chapter 6 tells us.

      Report Post » Bearfoot  
    • Vunderkint
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 4:20pm

      This thing is gone way too far and there should’ve been a stop to it years ago, this nation was founded on the principle that our rights come from God and his law that’s a fact! If the atheists that are causing this trouble disagree with that premise they’re free to leave America and found their own secular godless nation.

      The time has come for the separation of school and state, there’s no constitutional authority for the federal government to be involved in education in the first place!

      Report Post » Vunderkint  
    • hud
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:27pm

      Do what The Southern Poverty Law Ctr did to the Klan, bury them and bankrupt them with lawsuits. The ACLU, the school district, admin personnel, every one against prayer, bleed them through costly lawsuits.

      Report Post »  
    • Faith1029
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 5:31pm

      They get the ACLU, I say, let the coaches call the ACLJ. Jay Sekulow is Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), one of the most prestigious law firms in the country. He is an accomplished Supreme Court advocate, renowned expert on religious liberty, and a respected broadcaster. Jay Sekulow is an attorney with a passion for protecting religious liberty – freedom – democracy. He will fight for them.

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:15pm

      First, there is a separation between Church and State and Yes it is found in our Constitution. It reads: ‘Congress shall make no law in establishment of Religion’. 

      Congress can not stop you from prayer. Congress can not force you to pray. Congress can not do anything in regards to religion. 

      This is as stupid as is gets. Stand in truth, don’t cower down and let your light shine. They will persecute us, they will come after us and God almighty will provide a way for us. Keep your faith in God. Shine your light as bright as it can be. God will be with you. 

      I am not a supporter of School led prayer as I feel that is forcing ones religion over another. I do support any and all the right to worship, pray, and express their religion in any forum. Students wanting to pray, or even the coach I have no problem with. 

      Stand in truth! Keep the faith! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • cyclops
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:20pm

      Wow………..the more I read about things like this….the more I get fed up with the anti-religious people…..Sheeeeesssshhhhhh…….What a world we live in….

      Report Post » cyclops  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:26pm

      yep, you can bow them for a muslim prayer…….and get it cut off!!!

      Report Post »  
    • kralspaces
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:45pm

      Home schooling is great but this was a sporting event. What is the ‘church’ in bowing your head? Don’t we bow for a moment of silence. I do believe that happened on 9/11/11 by the President himself.

      Report Post » kralspaces  
    • JohnHW
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 6:57pm

      The thought police are alive and well here. IT IS TIME FOR THE ACLU TO LOSE THEIR STANDING AS A NON-PROFIT. Actually, it is time for this organization to be thrown out of the courts completely. Also, any judge, who cannot read the U.S. Constitution and tell what it says, should not sit on ANY BENCH.

      When anyone tells me not to bow my head during a prayer, s/he will find that I don’t take it likely to being distrubed when I am praying. I was grabbed once by a bully when I was 18 during a prayer. I apologized when I picked him and his teeth off the ground (my elbow hurt for a week).

      It is time to start showing this type of reaction again!!!

      Report Post » JohnHW  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 8:19pm

      Soon, public school teachers will not be allowed to attend church services for fear that some of the students may attend that church and might think the teachers were supporting a particular church by their attendance. Far-fetched? Wait and see (or else rise up right now and stop this American stupidity). Has it not gotten bad enough for you yet? When will you finally have had enough?

      Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 8:54pm

      What a joke!

      Report Post »  
    • Faith1029
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:08pm

      I have an idea. How about all of us who are Christians here put as much energy into praying for this country as we put into our comments on this site, and see what God will do for us. I am not saying this in sarcasm. I am sincere. Can we all do this? How about starting tonight? Anyone?

      Report Post »  
    • Rumrunner3
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:16pm

      No its not time to home school or anything else along those lines. Its time to quit letting the few dictate to the majority.

      Report Post » Rumrunner3  
    • WeeeDontNeeedNoSteeenkinBadges
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 9:47pm

      “We’ve been telling our principals to kind of be looking for those things, because that is kind of a shift in how things have been done.”

      Yes, and that’s how those Progressives (communists) in education have gotten THEIR SUBVERSION into the public schools. TOO BAD, commie bastards! We‘re takin’ America back!

      Report Post » WeeeDontNeeedNoSteeenkinBadges  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:03am

      Bowing down to the godless. Shameful. I shall not hide my light beneath a bushel. How is prohibiting prayer in a public school promoting Civil Liberties???

      How is it following, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech”. In no way does prayer establish a State Religion, but prohibition violates the free exercise thereof and abridges the freedom of speech.

      The American Civil Liberties Union is both anti-American and godless and should be run out of town on a rail.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • bikerr
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:51am

      @Pontiac– I find it very telling that you use a body part to get a thought across, Remember that body part was covered up only AFTER man had sinned. Up until the sin happened it was as you say Whipped out and bragged about.. Also, your post makes one say that women have no say because of lack of“whipping it out” capabilities.?.

      Report Post »  
    • BSdetector
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:03am

      The school violated those teachers’ Freedom of Religion. Time for a big ole’ stinkin lawsuit IMO.

      Report Post » BSdetector  
    • Tim Law
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:57am

      @ PONTIAC Go post your GOD hating comment’s on a Muslim site. It‘s sad that we Christian’s support your right not to believe, your right to free speech. Yet you deem it a crime that people bow their head’s in prayer. Sorry you lead such a sad life that all you can do is hate, I’ll pray for you and all the other hate filled people in this country. That you may all find peace and the Love of our LORD.

      Report Post »  
    • MominPA
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:17am

      I just called the named high school’s principal. I was told that it was the middle school coaches not the high school. I hope they get support fighting the ACLU and I will be requesting Freedom Works to send pocket constitutions to everyone on that school board, facluty and the students

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:30am

      Yo pontiac;
      As far as handleing it I’ll leave that to you. Seems you can’t handle being decent.
      Also seems childish/ foolish and agnorant to brag about something you had nothing to do with.
      Freedom is the right to do what is right.
      I will join in, in reporting you also and every God fearing person on this site should do the same. And if you stood in front of me I would tell you to your face.
      If this site has rules against language, and they do… follow them or say goodbye.
      TO THE GOD FEARING PEOPLE ON THIS SITE…WE ARE TO LET OUR LIGHT SHINE.
      My firm belief is these coaches need to be willing to “lose’ the world… their jobs as coaches and continue to pray as they where… God will honor that courage. The ONLY way that I would not do this is if the Lord leads me to not do it.
      This mis-guided interpretation of the seperation of church and state would NEVER have gotten this far had God fearing people stood their ground and fought back.
      I…4truth2all will bow to my Lord and my King and not to the enemy ( Lord help me)
      Daniel DID NOT BOW TO THE ENEMY.
      Our light can not shine if we let the enemy snuff it out.
      FIGHT BACK… JESUS DID ON THE CROSS.
      DO IT !!!!!!! in love…… Peace

      Report Post »  
    • ILUVJESUS
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:24am

      The people should join together, repeal that policy, and fire those who created it. Then, they can hold a praise service on the school property!

      Report Post » ILUVJESUS  
    • MMSands
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 1:17pm

      @Pontiac, as I read the story, no one set up an altar with a cross, and no one was kneeling in front of it to pray. We‘re talking about bowing one’s head in silent prayer: something which does not give any special connotation about the individual’s religious bent to begin with, and is one thing pretty much common to every religion — or even an atheist who wants to center him or her self before a game.

      Report Post » MMSands  
    • ACLUHater
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 1:22pm

      Something needs to be done with this liberal ACLU bullsht.

      Report Post »  
    • OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 2:25pm

      United States Constitution: Amendments: Article I
      Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

      “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil:
      God will not hold us guiltless.
      Not to speak is to speak.
      Not to act is to act.”
      Dietrich Bonhoeffer

      Report Post » OneCitizenOfTheRepublic  
    • Mister Beee
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:39pm

      @Okie from Muskogee: So when the coaches heads were bowed before the football game, what religion were they endorsing? Was it Methodist, or Catholic, or maybe were they endorsing the Jewish religion? The First Amendment which you grossly misrepresent, was and still is inteneded only for the FEDERAL government, disallowing them to establish one single religion (be it Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran, etc.) as a single state endorsed religion. In no way, shape, or form was it intended to completely disallow men and women of faith to reflect upon their own faith in the public arena (as long as it is peaceful). This is obvious from the writings of several of our country’s founding fathers.
      I really dislike the misuse of the First Amendment to rip God out of the fabric of our society. This intentional misunderstanding and misuse of the First Amendment is the cornerstone of the demise of this country.

      Report Post »  
    • MetalPatriot
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 5:44pm

      To Pontiac:
      [Your “creator of all things” created muslims. Are you saying they do not have the same right to pray in public as you? *Gasp* Are you going to use congress to create a law respecting an establishment of your religion to keep muslims from praying at football games?]

      I think the point everybody is getting excited over is that it’s become “ok” for everybody EXCEPT Christians to have the freedom of religion. University of Irvine, CA has the call to prayer for Muslims over the p.a. system…Why is “Amazing Grace” or even “God Bless America” played as well. It’s the “as well” part that we’re hot under the collar about.

      The problem is there has been a clear agenda for many, many years to exterminate Christianity and to extol Islam. Nothing new. Most wars are over religion. Nothing new.

      The difference is in what the faith itself does to the follower…or the manifestation of the faith. Does it promote hatred (Infedels) or does it promote love (Forgiven). Please explain why it’s acceptable for Islam to be practiced openly and not Christianity in a country whose Founders and Framers came here to practice that particular faith?

      We can converse about it without getting hateful or calling names like ignorant children.

      Report Post » MetalPatriot  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:08pm

      @ Pontiac… What an asshat you are. Nobody was shoving anything down your throats, unlike the gay agenda, socialism, marxism, obamacare, taxes, losses of liberties… Your remarks were crude and unwelcomed in this forum, as many have said. Most can identify you as a liberal, media matter, huffpo, nobama devotee. Take your hatred and godlessness someplace else, you really are not welcome among decent folks.

      Remeber people, keep love in your heart and just ask the troll nicely to leave.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:48pm

      Here’s the problem: Whether it’s Religious Rights, Gun Rights or Freedom of Speech, I hear bitch, bitch, bitch. But when I challenge people who are bitching about losing their freedom and rights, I say, “But didn’t you vote Democrat?” , and they say, “Well, yes, but we have to think about our JOBS!”

      You get what you vote for.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • eagleeye22
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:58pm

      The original story about this issue appeared in The Westmoreland Observer on Sept. 15, 2011, and is posted on the Observer’s Facebook page at Westmoreland News-wire.

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:07pm

      @Mister Bees

      What issue do you have with my post? 

      I do not care if they bowed for Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or moon rock God, they can and their choice. 

      Also, does federal law supersede state law? Yes
      Can a state say you can’t speak? No. Why? Because the Federal law, Constitution, provides that as a right that can not be infringed. 

      So I ask you again, what issue do you have with my original post other then the possibility you misread and mis understood it?  

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • GoMomGo
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 4:04pm

      Ricckky, I understand what you are saying, however, with all of the money we give to the public school system WE should have a say in what is done and what is not done. And the majority of the Americans are Christians, therefore we should speak out loud and clear and make it known that this kind of censorship is NOT acceptable. Problem is many people just go with the flow because they don’t think they have a voice. This kind of thinking is what is killing America!

      Report Post » GoMomGo  
  • barajas
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:51am

    Goverment leave us christians alone!!!

    Report Post » barajas  
    • mils
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:11pm

      sorry…the minority rules this country~ so go yell at the voting booth and take control of this country again..

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 3:20pm

      Reply to I support God’s Israel
      Amen and Amen! Jesus said in Mathew 16:18, ” …upon this ROCK (Himself) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail aginst it.” Christianity is not on the defensive, it is on the offensive, The gates of hell will not prevail against it. Satan is on the attack like never before and we who love the Lord must repel his attacks, wherever and whatever their source. Maranatha !

      Report Post »  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:55pm

      barajas….OK then religion get away from our goverment!

      Report Post »  
  • Marine Recon Dad
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:50am

    Good for these coaches – If I were in their shoes, I’d do it again and again and again. And if necessary (as much as I hate them) I’d have my lawyer standing next to me, along with my S&W on my hip…….

    Report Post »  
    • drago
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:16pm

      Amen to that Marine!

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    • 000degrees
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:59pm

      That Marine is raising the kind of men the next generation needs ……..

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    • Alaska K8
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:04pm

      So if the Coaches got in trouble for bowing their heads for a student led prayer…. Why then, is there no mention of the STUDENT LEADING THE PRAYER ??!!!

      Why is this even happening in our country ?
      When I was in High School, we prayed before everything as well as saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
      What happened to our 1st Amendment rights?…. or do they ONLY apply to the Aethists, Muslims and Godless?

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    • amanfrafo
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:23pm

      @Marine

      Maybe the coaches could raise their arms to Heaven next time. Or perhaps everyone should “submit” to Islam and bow down to the Mecca idol. I’m sure that would be okay, since Islam is really a feudal political/military movement, not a religion.

      Vote O’Bama! Vote ALL criminal illegal aliens!

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    • UPSETVET
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 3:13pm

      Semper Fi ! Enough is enough. In America we can no longer worship God according to our own conscience, mention the name of Jesus publically, pray in public and now we can’t bow our heads when someone else prays? Something is TERRIBLY wrong here in America, a Christian nation. As a former combat US Marine, I’ll pray and bow my head where and when I please no matter who might get “offended”.

      It’s time for the “silent majority” to quit being silent and speak out against these unconstitutional rules and regulations in the land of the free and the home of the brave. The separation between church and state is being stretched to rediculous limites. Christianity is being attacked and must take the offensive.

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    • StonyBurk
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:23am

      I agree – as Henry Ward Beecher said long time ago –If a man cannot be a Christian in th eplace where he is ,he cannot be a Christian anywhere. I can understand a school being AFRAID of the Bully called the anti-American ACLU Their power comes from the law suits they file under the guise of protecting civil rights. And their power comes form schools afraid to defend the right of their employees.Fundamental Law the twice passed Northwest Ordinance Religion,Morality, and Knowledge being Necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind ,schools and the mean s of education shall forever be encouraged. “and that fundamental Law itself came not only from the existing State Constitutions . But was inspired by a sermon preached in Conn. May 10 ,1787 by Elizur Goodrich. It is time our State Governments and our Public School system kick the damned Bully the ACLU out of school. And insist if the Constitution is supreme Law of the land and all judges ,and public officials under Oath to defend the Constitution then it’s about time we start insisting they defend the Constitution and not the metaphysical refinements like the fraud perpetrated by the endorsement test, or the Lemon Test which cannot be legal amendment to the Law for they are construct of the Court and NOT Law.If a man wants to acknowledge God -by the bowing of his head —
      LEt God be honored and every godless soul who say he cannot let them crawl through the dust like the serpent they are.

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    • Tiger716
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 3:24pm

      You said it! Good on you Marine. No one but NO one is going to tell me I can’t bow my head in silent prayer. If I loose my job for it, so be it. I’d rather loose my job than my moral compass.
      As stated, the Muslims can and do pray in public with no admonishments. I’m going to do the same thing….AND I’m going to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Don’t like it. Oh well. I’m voicing my freedom of speech. Just as they do.

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  • love the kids
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:49am

    O.K. If I see this school on break around Christmas or Easter, I think that school officials will have to be fired. Every one knows why you are off of school at that time. How about changing the break to mid Nov. and mid march to spread the time out equally.

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  • Eaglesnest
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:48am

    Give me an effing break! Are they serious? This has gone beyond absurd. If I were a school borad member in this county, I would laugh my arse off if they discussed this seriously. I really think many people are devoid of reality. Bowing their heads, eff me.

    Report Post » Eaglesnest  
  • FiveFreedoms
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:47am

    You just can’t make this stuff up!
    I called and left my opinion
    jeremy.johnson@sumnerschools.org
    (615) 451-6510

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  • booger71
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:47am

    uncomfortable mix of religion and public school.”
    ——————————————————-
    Uncomfortable to who?

    Report Post » booger71  
  • IAMINFORMED
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:45am

    I swear… If I had a billion dollars, I would form a FOR THE PEOPLE black-ops unit that would make people like this disappear. Stupidity, hatred, and this absolute zero tolerance crap needs to be flushed from our country. They only way this will go away is with another civil war. It is sad that we are going to have to use our 2nd amendment rights to take down our own, once peaceful, respectful, and honorable country…

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    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:54am

      hmm.. you sound like an american that is coming out of the fog.
      welcome to reality…..

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    • dave 3433
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:30pm

      Locked, loaded, and ready for duty! Thanks, Dave

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    • honestynow
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 3:38pm

      A bit extreme, but maybe we need to develop something akin to the ACLU, but one FOR American values instead of against them.

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    • attyell
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 8:25pm

      @honestynow..We do have an organization standing up for American values, rights and Christian rights. It is the ACLJ, and they are active not only in America but around the world. Check them out, they are awesome attorneys!!!

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    • rdietz7
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:19am

      You guys need to do what this article is about and forget about civil war. No to violence unless they are a physical threat to you. Live by the sword, die that way.

      Report Post » rdietz7  
  • BrandyWilson
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:42am

    I hope that these coaches hold their ground at next weeks game….To be continued!…They have the right to bow their head in reverence to their God whenever and wherever they want to!…STAND!

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  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:41am

    Hey Tennesee… You people need to be calling this school system, day in and day out..it works to bug these people to death… You have to stand up for these people… their rights are being taken.. so stand for them.. Please!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • MellonCrib
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 3:19pm

      Believe me. There is a lot of “resisting” going on down here in Dixie.
      I wonder when someone is going to have a problem with the teachers and coaches attending the same churches as the kids.

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    • 4truth2all
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:11am

      Yo Mellomcrib:
      Resist on !!!
      All christians need to GET IN THE GAME.
      No bench warmers.
      Jesus Christ gave us the ball.
      We fumbled it. He is worthy……yeah baby!!!

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  • itsallcrazy
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:38am

    They also banned prayer before games in Arab,Alabama. This is happening all over the country. I say pray anyway. The first amendment applies to everybody,or it applies to nobody.

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    • techengineer11
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:48am

      Welcome to life under the Jewish Apartheid. Same thing occurred in Russia last century under Jewish Marxism.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • MARCH4HIM
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:34pm

      I wonder how long it will be ….Before people that are christians…
      Will have to draw a fish in the sand to communicate?

      Report Post » MARCH4HIM  
    • honestynow
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 3:36pm

      Wouldn’t it be great if all the fans in unison, at a certain time, prayed aloud together or sang a hymn?

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    • 4truth2all
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:19am

      Yo honestynow:
      By the Holy Spirit these things are comming.

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  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:38am

    Let us now bow our heads and pray for this Principle and School District… they know not what they do.

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • travlman77
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:51am

      Oh contraire, they know exactly what they are doing. A little Tennessee town may not seem like a threat, but remember that’s how you eat an elephant “One bite at a time”

      Report Post » travlman77  
    • HairRazor
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:46am

      Our next president should have a stated goal to abolish the Dept. of Education. Get the fed gov out of our schools and our lives.

      Report Post » HairRazor  
  • BelowAverageJoe
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:37am

    “Congress shall pass no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

    How this got translated into no religion in public school, public buildings, etc. is exactly what is wrong with society today. By *not* allowing the coaches to say a prayer infringes on their Constitutional right. Not the other way around

    Report Post » BelowAverageJoe  
    • Countrygirl1362
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:45am

      Seems like we got the part of the Russian Constitution that says seperation of church and state mixed up with the USA Constitution. Russian Constitution “Religious associations shall be separated from the state, and shall be equal before the law.”

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    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:19pm

      We are allowing the minority, atheists and ACLU, rule the majority. One person was offended so everybody has ro be punished. It should be everyone liked the prayer and the display of the 10 scommandments and the manger (at Christmas), so the single person doesn’t have to participate. Ther are schools in CA that cannot Pray, but they must set a room aside and sllow a break from class for the Muslim students to pray.
      This country was founded on the principles from the Torah and the Bible not the Koran.

      OMB – Psalm 109:8

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    • MMSands
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 1:10pm

      Exactly

      Report Post » MMSands  
  • Mandors
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:36am

    It just goes to show how far the secularist militia has worked to infiltrate our country. Atheism is the new agenda, people. They are winning the homosexual battle, now God is next.

    Report Post » Mandors  
  • Robert Bale
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:34am

    What in the world is happening in this country? Have we lost our minds? Have we lost our senses of what is right or wrong? Bowing one’s head is an act of respect but yet the idealistic nut-jobs in San Francisco are allowed strip naked in a demonstration against some attire rule at a local eatery????

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    • mils
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:44am

      we can all thank Madelyn Murray O’Hare…and ourselves for allowing this to get out of hand.

      we have allowed our sense of we we are, where we come from, to be taken away.

      Although I do not believe in religion per se… I believe that ..We no longer honor ourselves..
      SO …HOW DO WE STOP THIS SNOWBALL OF TAKING AWAY OUR RIGHT AS AMERICANS…
      ….OBVIOUSLY AT THIS TIME..THE MINORITY RULES OUR COUNTRY..

      A minority that really takes away everything that we have, for centuries, held sacred.
      It is up to us to stop the minority from destroying our entire nation as we stand by with out thumbs up..well, you know…

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    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:50am

      you can be naked if san-fran. just be sure to remain standing as it is illegal to sit down….
      makes perfect sense to me!

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    • mrbuff1959
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:52pm

      This only one of the reasons i live in texas.

      Report Post » mrbuff1959  
  • mattmo79
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:33am

    Institutional facism at it’s best! Sorry our policy doesn’t allow you to believe in god. Sorry our policy doesn’t allow for free speech. Sorry our policy . . .

    Report Post » mattmo79  
  • Matrix22
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:33am

    When are people going to understand that the supposed “separation of church and state” goes both ways! The city certainly can’t tell the teachers to lead a prayer, but they also can’t tell the teachers to not join in on their own time using their own freedom of speech! Lowering your head in an act of respect of others beliefs is not a sign of the school forcing religion on students! That would be like saying we shouldn‘t avoid firing on Mosques because that is the gov’t telling the people they have to be Muslim!

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  • jlroejim
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:32am

    I wonder if they had washed, dropped to a rug and turned toward Mecca if they would been in trouble?

    Report Post » jlroejim  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:46am

      Of course not! What’s wrong with you? You NEVER offend a Muslim. They are a protected class.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • jlroejim
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:51pm

      I am 58 years old with 9 grandchildren, no one could have convinced me 30 years ago that our country would be like this. As a country , WE MUST DROP TO OUR KNESS AND PRAY FOR HELP OR WE WILL BE DROPPED TO OUR KNEES!

      Report Post » jlroejim  
    • OldVet
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:41am

      No, because the ACLU is funded by Arab Oil money. Check out the Saudi money going to them.

      Report Post » OldVet  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:32am

    If this country does‘nt come to it’s knees it will be brought to it’s knees.

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    • Obama>Jesus
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:31pm

      By whom, your magical sky wizard?

      Report Post » Obama>Jesus  
    • joe1234
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 8:00pm

      you savior is working hard to bring this country to its knees…

      Report Post » joe1234  
  • COFemale
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:26am

    We need to get these ignorant law unbiding officials out of the school. We need to start challenging them when the school board members come up for election.

    What I do after hours on school property is none of their business. This separation of church and state has gone way to far and if I lose my job because I decide to pray on campus or bow my head during someone else saying a prayer; you better expect a lawsuit. I am fed up with these people. It is time to remove them from office. Apparently, they seem to be ignoring a Supreme Court ruling.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:23am

    AMEN! Bentle speaks the TRUTH.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Jeff Wants Progressives to Go
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:22am

    WTF…I’m sick and tired of this cap. Something has o give. This upside down world must be righted.

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    • fixer
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:03pm

      the time is rapidly coming where each and every one of us is going to have to make a stand.I stand with God and Freedom,…try and take it from me and I will pump more lead into you than you can even imagine.

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    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:23pm

      I recommend an AK or SKS they are cheaper than the M16 variants and ammo is cheap and plentiful.

      OMG – Osalm 109:8

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  • Gita
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:21am

    The ACLU, anti christian lawyers united, needs to be dismantled and we the people need to do it. We can fight them in the court of public opinion and the court of law, we just need to stand up against them! We can start by having our own group of attorneys follow right behind them and counter sue. Any attorneys out there willing?

    Report Post » Gita  
    • momprayn
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:11pm

      We have – it’s the ACLJ – American Center for Law and Justice — founded & led by Christians who have been HIGHLY successful at these kind of cases to which they are dedicated. Check it out and help if you want: http://www.ACLJ.org

      Report Post »  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:21am

    What is our country coming to? What the heck happened to freedom of religion?????

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:29pm

      82d, the ACLU takes on these cases brought by the parents of one student – the school backs down rather than spending the money to fight them. The ACLU has everyone scared. There have been cases where a case has not been filed because the school caved in without a fight.
      The people have got to take the schools back – let the school board know that you are for prayer.

      OMG – Psalm 109:8

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    • hidden_lion
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 7:13pm

      Time to target the ACLU, I bet someone undercover would find a bunch of interesting thing going on in that organization…

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • LiberalMarine
    Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:20am

    Even as a Liberal Atheist, I think this is horrible. If anyone wants to bow their head during a prayer, they should be able to as long as they don‘t have a problem when I don’t.

    Report Post » LiberalMarine  
    • azjoannie
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:27am

      You know that would not work – it is too sensible!

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 11:32am

      As a follower of Christ, I would pray that one day you would bow your head, but I also feel you have that right not to do so. I will not stop or disparage you for not bowing your head.

      People just need to start respecting someone’s right to pray as well as not to pray. The ACLU just needs to back off. If a group starts praying and you don’t want to pray, walk away quietly and do not participate, but let those who wish to do so, do so. Quit thinking you views are the only ones who count.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • fist_of_fury
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 12:25pm

      What gives!? This is ridiculous! While I attended Metro-Nashville Public Schools, I had no issue morning prayer meetings, guest speakers, graduations, and such. Hell, I’m a Buddhist! American Civil Liberties Union need to stop intruding upon Americans’ freedom of religion! How can they have so much leverage? This makes me sick!

      Report Post »  
    • MARCH4HIM
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 1:17pm

      This needs to be repeated, to all that don’t get it .Why it is important
      For the United States to keep “God” in our Republic…
      And it should matter to all Atheist…
      That enjoy the freedoms of this Country…..

      TAKE GOD OUT OF U.S. A. ?

      ‘We the people’ get are rights from “God” …Granted by the Constitution

      If you remove GOD …Then in the Absence of the Constitution….
      There will become a void…

      What will fill that void…? ……….MAN …

      And If …“MAN” (may not be your guy) …Replaces… the “GOD”..
      “In “…the CONSTITUTION…

      It will then say “WE THE PEOPLE” …with .”.MAN GIVEN RIGHTS“….

      Then the “MAN .. ..Can take our ‘RIGHTS” from “We The People“.
      .
      that’s the BILL OF RIGHTS from ’We The People”

      Meaning say goodbye to whatever “RIGHTS“…
      The MAN…Wants to take from…We The People

      And say hay or …Hale… to the King or Queen
      …………………………………………………………………………………………..

      You ..!….Might not believe in a GOD…!.. But in this case…

      It stops the REPUBLIC from being a MONARCHY….

      Then “WE THE PEOPLE” believers and non-believers
      ………………Will truly be peasants…!

      Be careful ……“We The People”………..don’t be played….
      ……………………………………………………………………………

      If there is ….. “NO GUY IN THE SKY“

      Report Post » MARCH4HIM  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 25, 2011 at 2:45pm

      One way to get the ACLU to back off and make them afraid of you.

      Pack a .45 on the hip

      Report Post » MHP  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:20am

      Yo mhp:
      Great idea! Then when you get caught and thrown in jail for MURDER you will be REAL FREE !!!

      Report Post »  

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