Atheist Group Demands Removal of Alabama University Football Chaplain

An atheist group is demanding an Alabama university to “abolish the chaplaincy” within its athletic department, deeming the presence of a chaplain at a public university unconstitutional.

Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Inc., a Wisconsin-based organization that aims to uphold the First Amendment’s separation of church and state, issued a 25-page report titled “Pray to Play” on a year-long investigation that the organization conducted, looking into the presence and activity of Christian football chaplains at public NCAA universities. The report documents "unconstitutional Christian chaplaincies embedded in public university football programs."

FFRF sent a letter to Auburn University President Jay Gouge ordering the removal of Rev. Chette Williams’ position as chaplain for the university’s football team.

“It makes no difference if the chaplain is unofficial, not school-sponsored or a volunteer, because chaplains are given access to the team as a means for coaches to impose religion, usually Christianity, on their players,” the organization wrote.

“The current policies at Auburn University fail to properly protect your student athletes’ rights of conscience and post a high degree of risk of discrimination,” the letter added.

Cassie Arner of Auburn University’s Athletics Department issued a statement defending Williams.

"Chaplains are common in many public institutions, including the US Congress. The football team chaplain isn’t an Auburn employee, and participation in activities he leads are voluntary," Arner stated.

Williams has served as the football team chaplain since 1999. He also serves as the campus director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Auburn.

FFRF has sent similar letters to the following universities for the presence of football team chaplains, a presumed violation of the First Amendment: University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, University of Missouri, University of Washington, University of Illinois, Florida State University, University of Mississippi, and the University of Wisconsin.