A coach partaking in a team prayer led by team captains is a demonstration of the unconstitutionality of an organized prayer at public educational institutions. It is stated that “organized prayer in the public school setting, whether in the classroom or at a school-sponsored event, is unconstitutional. The only type of prayer that is constitutionally permissible is private, voluntary student prayer that does not interfere with the school’s educational mission” (ADL, 2021). In other words, a coach being an educator and trainer for students in a public educational facility is not allowed to engage in an organized prayer since the activity also involves team captains. A public school, being a part of the government, must not establish a religion under the mandates of the Establishment Clause (ADL, 2021). In other words, teachers, including the coach, must not “pray with or in the presence of students in school or in their capacities as teachers or representatives of the school” since doing otherwise will promote religious establishment (ADL, 2021).
It is important to point out the fact that coaches and educators play a unique role in the Establishment Clause since they are authorities for an audience comprised of individuals in their highly impressionable and vulnerable stages. In other words, it is imperative for the governmental bodies, such as public schools and their subsequent professionals, to be involved in the establishment process of religion. Therefore, prayers are categorized as a legal violation and unconstitutional. However, in accordance with the First Amendment, educators are allowed to practice their religion through private means with no any form of impact on the students.
Reference
ADL. (2021). Prayer in public schools.Anti-Defamation League.