BEDFORD – The North Lawrence Community Schools (NLCS) district has issued a statement to parents and community members regarding recent questions about the use of the Christian flag at football games.
In a letter dated September 14, 2025, Superintendent Kevin Yancey provided clarification on the district’s position, which is based on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Yancey’s letter highlights two key principles of the First Amendment that govern religion in public schools:
- The Establishment Clause: This clause prohibits public schools and government entities from endorsing or promoting any specific religion. Yancey states that displaying religious symbols, such as the Christian flag, at school-sponsored events like football games could be seen as an official endorsement of one faith.
- The Free Exercise Clause: This clause, at the same time, protects the right of individual students to practice their faith. Students are free to pray, read religious texts, or express their beliefs privately, as long as it does not constitute an official or school-sponsored activity.
The superintendent emphasizes that while the district must remain neutral on matters of religion, students retain the right to express their faith personally. The letter notes that a student may choose to pray before a game or share their beliefs with friends, but the school itself—and school-sponsored events—cannot display religious symbols.
“We respect the deeply held beliefs of many in our community, and we are committed to upholding both the constitutional rights of our students and the legal responsibilities of our schools,” Yancey wrote. “By following these principles, we ensure that all students and families…feel welcomed and respected in our schools.”
The district thanked the community for its understanding and support in creating an environment that honors both individual freedoms and constitutional requirements.
