Pirate's Cove

Obviously, someone was “offended”, so that means that Everyone Else must be forced to comply with the FFRF’s religion

(Greenville News) The Freedom From Religion Foundation has sent a letter of complaint to Clemson University, citing “constitutional concerns about how the public university’s football program is entangled with religion.”

According to the foundation, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney has promoted a culture in the program that violates constitutional stipulations of the separation of church and state.

A spokesman for the athletic department declined to comment on the letter. Cathy Sams, the university’s chief public affairs officer, said her department has not completed its review of the letter but said Swinney hasn’t forced his religion onto his players.

“I can’t comment on any of the specifics in the letter or any of the specific concerns,” Sams said. “No one is required to participate in any religious activities related to the football program. It’s purely voluntary. Religion and faith is a big part of Coach Swinney’s personal beliefs, but it is in no way required. There is no mandatory participation.”

But, the FFRF see religiosity in a public funded school, so That Must Not Be Allowed, even if voluntary.

The foundation, a national nonprofit educational charity based in Madison, Wis., says it is the nation’s largest association of atheists and agnostics. According to Elliott, the organization does not intend to infringe on Swinney’s beliefs, but to ensure that the players’ constitutional rights are protected.

Did they ask if the players cared, or wanted their help? In fact, there is not one mention in this or any other article about anyone associated with the football program getting a bee up their bums

“What we have observed in the records is that the football coaching staff is doing a number of things to promote Christianity to their student-athletes,” foundation staff attorney Patrick Elliott said.

“While student-athletes can pray, conduct Bible studies and engage in religious activities, the coaching staff, as public employees, should not be doing that with their student athletes.

I wonder if they can point out where in the US and/or South Carolina constitution where public employees are not allowed to be religious, mention religion, pray, worship, etc, on public (ie, taxpayer owned) property? While it would certainly violate the spirit of the 1st Amendment to forced players, staff, others to worship in a particular manner, or just simply worship, there is nothing to stop the current activities.

“It violates their constitutional rights. Coaches have tremendous influence over players. They make decisions on who has scholarships and who plays and what they do.”

Ever get the feeling that these anti-religion hate groups have never read the founding charters nor the documents that led to them? Clemson has had Muslims and Jews, among other religions, play for them. Those who come play football for Clemson do so voluntarily, and so often grew up in a religious atmosphere. They don’t seem to have a problem, yet here comes the FFRF busybodies to interfere with the lives of other people. People have a right to be offended. They don’t have the right to make other people comply. The FFRF is as totalitarian as most Progressive groups, and as overbearing and dogmatic as the Taliban.