Deion Sanders is the new head coach at Colorado University. Recently the group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a letter of complaint because of Mr. Sanders’ promotion of religion with the football program.
The FFRF are accusing Mr. Sanders of saying a Christian prayer to start official meetings. Now I agree with Mr. Sanders on this issue and so does the Supreme Court which said:
"The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that public school employees may engage in religious expression and exercise; therefore, public universities like CU may not target Coach Sanders (or other members of the football staff) for exercising constitutional rights on campus," First Liberty's counsel Keisha Russell wrote in the letter.
"First Amendment protections to both public employees and students, neither of whom shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."
Ms. Russell also went on to say that Coach Sanders does not lose his constitutional right to the free exercise of religion, simply because he is an employee of CU.
I totally agree with these statements. Many schools say a prayer before a game or practice. Even our congress starts the day with a prayer.
The school’s vice Chancellor Mr. Patrick O’Rourke who is Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance had a meeting with Sanders to discuss when and where coaches and players can get involved in religious expression. At the end Mr. O’Rourke said that Coach Sanders was “receptive” to the policies and requirements of the “Establishment Clause”.
I know that Colorado as state has turned very “blue” and adopted many bad policies but I’m hoping they don’t stop Coach Sanders from teaching what he’s learned and feels the players need.
In closing I want to thank all the Veterans for their service and sacrifices because we can never thank them enough in keeping us all free. Something we should all think about everyday.
God Bless & Good health
G