Wisconsin —

The school district of Loyal, Wis., made sure to refocus future Veterans Day programs by removing a scheduled prayer from future events.

A district parent reported that in 2024 and 2025, the district’s Veterans Day programs on Nov. 11 included prayer as a scheduled part of the program. Additionally, FFRF learned that the football coach was leading the team in prayer before games and at team dinners.

“Even if students and parents know about the religious content of these activities and are able to opt out, voluntariness is no excuse for violating students’ rights,” FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler wrote to the district.

After receiving FFRF’s letter, Superintendent Chris Lindner took the time to respond to the concerns and ensure that students’ rights were the district’s top priority. “I will talk to the program director of the Veterans Day program about taking this off the schedule,” Lindner wrote. Thankfully, Lindner also confirmed that the coach was not leading prayers, and that students were not being forced to participate in the religious practice.

The post A school district in Wisconsin made sure to refocus future Veterans Day programs by removing a scheduled prayer from future events. (April 2026) appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.