[link|http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/smalko3.htm|American Atheists]

In November, 2004, Nicole Smalkowski -- a student at Hardesty Oklahoma High School and member of the female basketball squad -- was ordered by her coach to participate in a game-time recitation of the "Lord's Prayer." Ms. Smalkowski, an Atheist, refused and was then banished to the locker room. Days later, following a meeting of school officials, she was punished by being removed from the team.

The suit charges that Nicole and the rest of her family were then made the victims of false accusations and "subjected to public humiliation and distress." Her father, Chester Smalkowski, tried to meet with the School Principal who "struck Plaintiff Chester Smalkowski repeatedly without warning or provocation." Incredibly, a warrant was filed against Mr. Smalkowski who was arrested and scheduled for trial. Officials with the District Attorney's Office in Texas County, Oklahoma then offered a deal where charges would be dropped if the Smalkowski family agreed to leave the jurisdiction.

The first bit about the daughter being thrown off the team for not joining in the team prayer is sad but all to common. The second part is nuts.

Jay

As to

The first bit about the daughter being thrown off the team for not joining in the team prayer is sad but all to common.

Really..? common ??

Bias against atheists is probably as common as racism or sexism in the US, though it is hard to judge exactly*. And it seems to be getting worse as wearing your religon on your sleeve becomes the norm for many Christians.

What we can compare is bias against atheists to bias against other relgions. And polls show that atheists are most biased against major religous group. Even more so then jews or mormons.

Jay

* And it should be noted I'm not saying those are equivlent though. Every few atheists have been killed for being atheists in the history of the US, and we can blend in better.