After reading the online articles posted in this week’s Learn section, what legal concepts would you need to take into consideration if you were a Christ

Discussion Replies for the following post: post at least 2 replies to your colleagues’ posts of at least 200 words

Oct 1 8:09pm

Manage Discussion by Kevin Edison

from Kevin Edison

  Legal and Ethical Considerations

Any public high school coach who is a Christian and contemplating having their team pray or participate in devotionals had better keep several legal principles in mind — especially the establishment clause of the First Amendment and court decisions dealing with student religious expression in public schools. It is necessary to respect the law and a wide array of student beliefs if faith is going to be applied in any practical manner.

First of all, we must understand that public schools are government entities and are required to keep church separate from state. This principle was emphasized in cases such as Engel v. Vitale (1962), which held that even nondenominational expressions of prayer — when led by public schools — are unconstitutional. This is why I would have to be careful as a coach to make sure that any prayer or devotion is student-led and voluntary, not coached-initiated or mandatory. This falls within the holding of Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000), where the Supreme Court ruled that student-led prayer at school events is in violation of the Establishment Clause, if there is any appearance that it endorses a particular religion.

On applying the faith and within limits of Law- shall be able to create such an environment wherein personal expression is fostered without impeding on others rights I might, for example, lead character-based sportsmanship and teamwork discussions consistent with Christian morals without using religious words. Whenever I felt like the high-pressure sales tactics of Forever Living were compromising my own integrity, I would draw upon these principles and leverage them to both maintain my team-led approach to leadership AND stay within legal boundaries.

Also, it should be same time important to honor the different believes that team mates have. A spirit of engagement would be motivated by the principle that an open and constructive conversation about faith or values could surfaced, allowing students to express their upfront views in an air of respect. This could mean a student-initiated gathering before practice or game where students can give testimonies —- religious or nonreligious. This respects the statutory framework and fosters an inclusiveness so that all students are made to feel of worth—be their belief religious, secular or otherwise.

Also, I would be aware of the school's policies on religious expression. Certain districts may also have policies that permit restricted and non-disruptive religious expression. Reached for comment about the recordings, they wrote back that talking to school administration could explain what is allowed so my actions are not at odds with legal standard sat a minimum and indeed value compliance with the school's mission.

And last, but certainly not least, is to keep my intentions clear and tell my students/parents how I plan to achieve this. And that my focus is on creating a supportive positive team environment, and not leading folks toward the light as I see it. in order to alleviate coercion or favoritism concerns.

Simply put, there are pros and cons for Christian coaches of public high schools, and it is incumbent on those who have chosen this path to remember that the most favorable context we can choose is voluntary, student-led avenues where faith is expressed. This approach allows a coexistence of my spiritual and teaching practices by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, using general principles to include faith in my practice without imposing it on those with different belief systems, and not getting far off into legal land.

Oct 1 9:30pm

Manage Discussion by Dwayne Hysmith

from Dwayne Hysmith

The funny thing about this discussion is that I am the Christian coach who has participated in team prayer and devotionals before and after games. As a Christian who believes in the "Great Commission," I agree that prayer and devotionals have no bounds, schools are places where prayer and devotionals can exist, thrive, and provide students with encounters with God. With that being said I do understand the opposition's argument of division and alienation that prayer can be for other students who do not believe in prayer. Legally as coaches we must consider two things 1) the laws regarding prayer for interscholastic events for your state and 2) the separation of church and state in the Constitution. As a former high school coach in Texas, I can say that I and maybe the majority of coaches probably have no idea what that state's prayer laws are. For example in the Prayer 101 article, Arizona specifically put in laws that restricted a coach's ability to endorse, practice, or organize prayer in any manner (Willett, Goldfine, Seidler, Gillentine, & Marley, 2014). Having lived this life the state and Constitutional ramifications would never cross my mind, prayer is so engrained in my way of life that I would engage in this practice without thinking twice about it. As a teacher/coach incorporating faith into my vocation is challenging, but I believe there is a balance that can be struck between the two. Jesus gave us a perfect example of striking this balance when he presented the gospel to the Pharisees and Sadducees through the book of Matthew. Jesus did not force them to be a part of the church he offered an invitation, through his compassion and love for others people sought Jesus out. In my vocation when it comes to incorporating faith I will follow Jesus' model I will treat everyone with love and compassion and offer them an invitation to see what Christianity has to offer. This love and compassion is my invitation to those who do not ascribe to Christianity. I do not believe you can "hit people over the head" with the bible, in my vocation if they see me as someone who treats them as Jesus treated others I hope that my actions will lead to questions about my faith. I can also give foundational principles through my teaching/coaching that are based on the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) that will lead to meaningful conversations about Christianity. This a difficult topic to discuss, because everyone has an opinion. Respecting those opinions while staying true to who you are is of the utmost importance, following the Father, is not easy despite the opposition we are called to make disciples of every nation. 

References:

Willett, J. B., Goldfine, B., Seidler, T., Gillentine, A., & Marley, S. (2014). Prayer 101: Deciphering the Law — What Every Coach and Administrator Should Know.  Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance,  85(9), 15–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2014.958252

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