“Public schools must provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their religious beliefs. That includes ensuring that student athletes don’t feel compelled to pray or participate in religious activities to secure their place on a team," said Richard B. Katskee, AU Vice President and Legal Director.

Issues like LGBTQ rights, reproductive freedom and public education are closely connected to religious freedom and church-state separation.

Federal courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of Bremerton School District – agreeing that the district had a right to stop an assistant football coach from praying with players and students at the 50-yard line after games. But the current U.S. Supreme Court vacancy looms over this and many other cases involving church-state separation.