MN HF4901

Athletic department staff members may designate a time and place before or after student athletic activities for public silent prayer that others may voluntarily participate in.

Staff members cannot be prohibited or face adverse action from schools for facilitating silent prayer activities; violating this right allows staff to pursue civil action for attorney fees, costs, and injunctive relief.

Student athletes have the right to opt out of prayer activities without discrimination or adverse action; students or parents may sue the staff member and school for violations and seek attorney fees and relief.

The State High School League must adopt a policy prohibiting discrimination or adverse action against student athletes or staff members exercising prayer rights under this law.

Athletic staff members retain the right to engage in nonsilent or verbal prayer during or around student athletic activities; courts may award attorney fees to defendants if a lawsuit is found to be frivolous and in bad faith.