The Illinois High School Association has decided Christian schools cannot broadcast prayers — or any religious announcements — over their public address systems on days they host state sports tournaments. The ban comes on the tail end of the state basketball tournament.
Marty Hickman, executive director of the group, said he was not trying to make a political statement.
“Our attorney’s position and our position is that it’s against the law,” he told CitizenLink.
Several Christian schools complained about the policy to the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF).
“Not only does it not violate the Establishment Clause, but it violates the free-speech rights of private schools,” said David Cortman, senior legal counsel for ADF.
The Alliance Defense Fund has offered to represent the state free of charge if it changes the policy and is challenged in court.
Hickman said he would be open to changing the policy on the advice of his attorney.
— Steve Jordahl
