Scripture on Football Friday Nights: Religious Messages on Cheerleader Banners in Light of Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe

Abstract

This article examines the recent controversy at Kountze High School, a public school district in East Texas, over Biblical scripture messages displayed on student-created banners prior to high school football games in the fall of 2012. The context for a discussion of issues arising from the communication of those messages is provided by a review of U.S. Supreme Court case law over the past 50 years. Particular attention is directed to a discussion of Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, a U.S. Supreme Court decision from 2000 that may provide guidance for the resolution of litigation currently pending in Kountze, Texas.