In Texas, It's Football Without a Prayer

In Texas, It's Football Without a Prayer

Texans have what has been described as a religious fervor for high school football. And Friday-night games at many high schools in the state start with a prayer over the public-address system. But a federal appeals court has ruled that student-led prayers at those games violate the U.S. Constitution.

Last month's 2-1 ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit was as unexpected as a fake punt. That's because the New Orleans-based appeals court previously has held that student-led prayers at graduation ceremonies pass constitutional...