Last week, school officials in Putnam County, Tennessee, were told that district employees were not allowed to lead students in prayer. That included not only teachers and staff but also coaches of athletic teams. "As a district, we absolutely understand the importance of prayer in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff members," it said. "We support the right of students to participate in and lead spontaneous prayers. That right is and will continue to be protected. "After the game, players and cheerleaders that choose to will be on the field praying on their own. A group of parents will be going out on the field to support them. We will join hands and encircle them from a distance as a sign of protection and solidarity in choosing to continue to pray.
