PUBLISHED: 15:59 EST, 11 December 2015 | UPDATED: 18:26 EST, 11 December 2015
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A teacher who was pictured holding students' hands in a prayer circle before a basketball game has been banned from doing so again because it 'violates the constitution.'
Scott Spahr was photographed in prayer alongside the Morristown Elementary School girls' basketball team and the opposing team from Waldron Elementary on December 1.
But his actions are against the law.
Scott Spahr (in a black and yellow top) was photographed in prayer alongside the Morristown Elementary School girls' basketball team and the opposing team from Waldron Elementary on December 1
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Principals from both schools in the photo received an e-mail from the American Humanist Association last Friday asserting Spahr's presence was 'a constitutional violation'
Principals from both schools received an e-mail from the American Humanist Association last Friday asserting Spahr's presence was 'a constitutional violation.'
The message written by AHA legal director David Niose informed the schools, 'staff participation in prayers with students at school events is impermissible.'
It said: 'It conveys an endorsement of religion and creates a coercive atmosphere where children may feel pressured to participate in religious activity,' ABC News reports.
Niose told ABC News: 'We weren't trying to shut down the prayers. But it is interesting that these prayer circles are asserted so much in public schools.
'We do question if these prayer circles are always student-initiated. How often do students at a pickup game on the playground pray before a game?'
Spahr has agreed to stop participating in the prayer circle after being notified of the complaints.
But he told ABC News that he was 'dumbfounded' by the AHA's reaction.
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The message written by AHA legal director David Niose informed the schools, 'staff participation in prayers with students at school events is impermissible'
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The district's parent-committee Facebook page has been flooded with upset community members who support the tradition of the prayer circle
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Shelby Eastern School Board President Jason Redd (pictured) says: 'Shelby Eastern Schools will abide by those laws. We've had discussions – if there was any wrong-doing – (and) it's been corrected.'
He said his students invited him into the circle and that the AHA misinterpreted the incident. Adding: 'There's always been a player-led prayer circle.'
Spahr has coached the Morristown Elementary Yellow jackets for six seasons. He explained that the prayer circle was a tradition before he arrived.
'We're talking about 10 and 11 year-old-kids and they're confused about the whole issue,' Spahr told ABC News.
Shelby Eastern School Board President Jason Redd says: 'Shelby Eastern Schools will abide by those laws. We've had discussions – if there was any wrong-doing – [and] it's been corrected.'
But the prayer circles wont stop altogether, Redd said.
The district's parent-committee Facebook page has been flooded with upset community members who support the tradition.
Redd said at least one of those parents will step up in the future to lead the prayer circle - which will be legal as they aren't employed by the school.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
stupid, just stupid--at a time when men and women of good character are desperately needed to be role models and to guide and nurture children some hare-brained zealots of the American Humanist ilk are " offended "--pathetic
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
I'm glad the school sanctioned prayer got shut down, if it was a public school.
If it was a Christian school, that would be different, and no one would have a right to complain.
It wasn't "school-sanctioned". Read the article. It was actually student led and this coach joined it. You shouldn't have to give up your rights just because of your employment.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I'm glad the school sanctioned prayer got shut down, if it was a public school.
If it was a Christian school, that would be different, and no one would have a right to complain.
It wasn't "school-sanctioned". Read the article. It was actually student led and this coach joined it. You shouldn't have to give up your rights just because of your employment.
People give up their rights all the time because of their employment. Freedom of speech for example - I can't say anything I want to a customer just because I have the right to. Search and seizure - I have worked at places that search your bags and also your car before leaving the property. There are tons of examples. Don't be so dramatic.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
I'm glad the school sanctioned prayer got shut down, if it was a public school.
If it was a Christian school, that would be different, and no one would have a right to complain.
It wasn't "school-sanctioned". Read the article. It was actually student led and this coach joined it. You shouldn't have to give up your rights just because of your employment.
How many 11 year old girls do YOU know who would organize a prayer circle, if the teacher / coach hadn't suggested or encouraged it?
Student led? B.S.
Maybe he just like holding hands with little girls? (flame suit still on)
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
I'm glad the school sanctioned prayer got shut down, if it was a public school.
If it was a Christian school, that would be different, and no one would have a right to complain.
It wasn't "school-sanctioned". Read the article. It was actually student led and this coach joined it. You shouldn't have to give up your rights just because of your employment.
How many 11 year old girls do YOU know who would organize a prayer circle, if the teacher / coach hadn't suggested or encouraged it?
Student led? B.S.
Maybe he just like holding hands with little girls? (flame suit still on)
Several.
And not every man out there is a pedophile. Good grief.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Well, if you want prayer circles from Christians, then be prepared for praying from other groups. That's just how it is. However, the adult may just step up. Students can lead other students in prayer.
I'm glad the school sanctioned prayer got shut down, if it was a public school.
If it was a Christian school, that would be different, and no one would have a right to complain.
It wasn't "school-sanctioned". Read the article. It was actually student led and this coach joined it. You shouldn't have to give up your rights just because of your employment.
How many 11 year old girls do YOU know who would organize a prayer circle, if the teacher / coach hadn't suggested or encouraged it?
Student led? B.S.
Maybe he just like holding hands with little girls? (flame suit still on)
Several.
And not every man out there is a pedophile. Good grief.
Right. Just a FEW of the priests, and a FEW of the Boy Scout leaders, and a FEW of the male teachers. (Oh, and a FEW of the female teachers.)
The ones who arrange to have physical contact raise a tiny red flag.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
Just about every little girl I've known will take a moment to say a prayer.
What organization?
"Hey, let's say a prayer."
And then they take a hand and a circle forms.
Freedom OF religion.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The coach is employed by the school district and so he is their representative at the games. He cannot engage in prayer, however much he would like to. Other girls who may not believe or who may pray differently would feel pressured to join - even if no one said a word, even if it was stated that it was optional. The pressure would still be there.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
Just about every little girl I've known will take a moment to say a prayer.
What organization?
"Hey, let's say a prayer."
And then they take a hand and a circle forms.
Freedom OF religion.
I travelled weekly to around 20 high schools a year for 10 years. Some were public, some private. The only kids I saw praying in a public manner like this were the private school kids. And they did it on their own, without even pressuring or asking anyone else from their school to join. Those who wanted to joined and those who didn't, didn't. To say that everyone would do it is just silly. I am not saying no one would, I am saying far far fewer than you think would actually join in.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
A lot of schools here have a weekly "Meet me at the pole" prayers before school. Usually on Monday. And they ALWAYS pray before football games. Some schools even have a public prayer, over the sound system...
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America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
A lot of schools here have a weekly "Meet me at the pole" prayers before school. Usually on Monday. And they ALWAYS pray before football games. Some schools even have a public prayer, over the sound system...
The coach is employed by the school district and so he is their representative at the games. He cannot engage in prayer, however much he would like to. Other girls who may not believe or who may pray differently would feel pressured to join - even if no one said a word, even if it was stated that it was optional. The pressure would still be there.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I know, right? So if students on their own form a prayer circle, teachers shouldn't be allowed to join them? I would take this all the way...
I would too.
The christphobia is getting ridiculous.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Yeah, you would probably stroke out here. We pray before EVERYTHING. They prayed last weekend at the city tree lighting ceremony. They prayed before Sweetness's dance recital last night. Her preschool Christmas program was at a church. The library hosts a quartet every Christmastime...they pray before that. Its part of life here...
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America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Yeah, you would probably stroke out here. We pray before EVERYTHING. They prayed last weekend at the city tree lighting ceremony. They prayed before Sweetness's dance recital last night. Her preschool Christmas program was at a church. The library hosts a quartet every Christmastime...they pray before that. Its part of life here...
Plus, I don't own a gun! LOL
I don't have issues with adults praying, but it's school kids and peer pressure plays a role.
The House of Representatives and the Senate pray at the start of every day.
But Christphobic bigots want to freak out when a teacher or kid prays.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I wonder how many here would be comfortable with Islamic prayer at public institutions, like schools, libraries, and sporting events?
Probably would make me uncomfortable.
HOWEVER, Freedom OF Religion means they have that right.
Something that tends to be forgotten by the Christphobic bigots wanting to stop a religious prayer.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I know, right? So if students on their own form a prayer circle, teachers shouldn't be allowed to join them? I would take this all the way...
I would too.
The christphobia is getting ridiculous.
PUBLIC school
flan
So that means that teachers cant join their students in prayer? Thats a little disturbing...
A teacher employed by a public school is an employee of the people. So no, they cannot join in the prayer. They represent the school and ALL the kids, even the ones who don't pray and don't want to join in.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
Yeah, you would probably stroke out here. We pray before EVERYTHING. They prayed last weekend at the city tree lighting ceremony. They prayed before Sweetness's dance recital last night. Her preschool Christmas program was at a church. The library hosts a quartet every Christmastime...they pray before that. Its part of life here...
I personally can't imagine living in an area where everyone was so alike. We have people of all walks of life and of all faiths in every school my kids have gone to - in 3 states. There would be no way to join in prayer because there would be so many different faiths and traditions it would be chaos! People also don't feel the need to be so public about their faith. They aren't ashamed, but it's private. It's between them and their God.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
Again, the difference between a group of children and their coach/teacher and Congress which is made up of supposed adults. Adults can do or not do whatever they please. Children will feel pressured to go along with their teacher/coach even if they don't want to.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
Again, the difference between a group of children and their coach/teacher and Congress which is made up of supposed adults. Adults can do or not do whatever they please. Children will feel pressured to go along with their teacher/coach even if they don't want to.
Stupid argument. Either a public employee can pray or not. Again, its the norm here and that makes me happy. Its not going to change. Teachers pray with students all the time. Hell, most of our graduations are at churches. And they say prayers. I love it here. Best place in the world to live...
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America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Stupid argument. Either a public employee can pray or not. Again, its the norm here and that makes me happy. Its not going to change. Teachers pray with students all the time. Hell, most of our graduations are at churches. And they say prayers. I love it here. Best place in the world to live...
I am happy you like it. It wouldn't be a welcoming atmosphere for me or a lot of other people. But you like it and that's all that matters.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
And BTW - that prayer before the sessions of congress? They are led by people of ALL faiths, that's why they are legal. Muslims have led it, Jewish people, all faiths take turns. So if your public school is rotating all faiths in front of the classrooms, then go for it. If it's just the teacher praying in his/her own faith...not happening.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
Stupid argument. Either a public employee can pray or not. Again, its the norm here and that makes me happy. Its not going to change. Teachers pray with students all the time. Hell, most of our graduations are at churches. And they say prayers. I love it here. Best place in the world to live...
And...what if a Muslim family also thinks it's a nice place to live? What if they settle there, and they invite all their aunts, cousins and other relatives to do the same? What if they start sponsoring Muslim refugees, and next thing you know, you have a mosque there?
Are you OK with Muslims having prayer sessions at your schools and public venues? I suspect your head would explode.
I have you give you "what ifs", because I've never seen such concrete thinking outside a psych ward. You seem completely incapable of thinking in the abstract.
There is no reason to come here. There is no mosque. The one that did live here turned out to be a terrorist, so people are wary. And its completely unlikely that they would be hired as teachers. One day, some may want to come, and we will deal with that if it happens. Its not a concern now.
You know the FIRST question asked when you meet someone new? Where do you go to church...
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America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
There is no reason to come here. There is no mosque. The one that did live here turned out to be a terrorist, so people are wary. And its completely unlikely that they would be hired as teachers. One day, some may want to come, and we will deal with that if it happens. Its not a concern now. You know the FIRST question asked when you meet someone new? Where do you go to church...