Debate over prayer in schools moves to Bloomfield Hills football field

Lahser High School bans praying on field after games due to ACLU investigation

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – The debate over prayer in schools is making its way on to a football field in Bloomfield Hills, where one school has banned praying on the field during games.

The move at Lahser High School comes following concerns from a parent made to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Lahser's Blackhawks had a tradition of kneeling in prayer after a big game, but the tradition is no more and from now on there is no separation of church and state.

The family that brought the complaint to the ACLU has asked to remain anonymous. Afterwards the ACLU launched an investigation and wrote a letter to the administration and the tradition of praying after a game was done.

"The First Amendment protects religious liberty for all citizens in the United States, including people who aren't part of the majority religion," said Dan Korobkin from the ACLU.

Football may be over for the season, but there are still plenty of athletes practicing at the school.

Some get it and some are upset and think it is sad.

"Rituals are an important part of the game and staying focused and preforming your best, so I don't know what it meant to them but it could have an impact on their game," said student Blaine Stannard.

"I think it's right that they shouldn't be forced to do it as a team. They should, if they don't believe in god, they should have the opportunity to not pray, " said student Robert Emmitt.


About the Author:

Paula Tutman is an Emmy award-winning journalist who came to Local 4 in 1992. She's married and the stepmother of three beautiful and brilliant daughters. Her personal philosophy in life, love and community is, "Do as much as you can possibly do, not as little as you can possibly get away with".