A New Mexico high school basketball coach who allowed his players to wear t-shirts inscribed with “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” has resigned after atheists complained.
The head coach of Animas High School, who was not identified, was also accused of holding Bible studies with players. I warn you about these kinds of anti-Christian horror stories in my new book, “Culture Jihad: How to Stop the Left From Killing a Nation.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin-based group of perpetually offended atheists, agnostics and so-called free-thinkers, took credit for the coach’s resignation.
“We’re pleased that the Animas school system took us seriously in remedying a constitutional violation,” FFRF co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a prepared statement. “Such behavior cannot be excused in public schools.”
The out-of-town agitators said the coach violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution by organizing a Bible study and endorsing religious messages.
“It does not matter whether some players asked the coach to lead a Bible study or whether wearing the religious t-shirts is optional,” FFRF attorney Christopher Line wrote in a threatening letter to the school district. “Courts have summarily rejected arguments that voluntariness excuses a constitutional violation.”
School superintendent Loren Cushman was quick to throw the Christian basketball coach under the bus.
“When I observed the players wearing the t-shirts during pregame warmups, I immediately questioned the coach and activity director,” Cushman wrote in response to the FFRF complaint. “I gave specific instructions at that time that this was not permissible and was not to happen again.”
It turns out the shirts were provided to the team by a local church youth group attended by many students in the school.
“It is my understanding that the coach often attended and at times lead the various activities, including Bible study or lessons,” the superintendent wrote. “The coach is not holding Bible studies for groups of players and/or other students separate from the youth group.”
Supt. Cushman ended the letter to the Freedom From Religious Foundation with this chilling declaration: “The coach has submitted his resignation from the district.”
It’s a mighty sad day in America when a high school basketball coach is deemed unfit because he is a follower of Jesus. I would urge you to pre-order a copy of my new book, “Culture Jihad”, and discover what’s happening in America and learn how we can stop it!
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