Opinion No. Oag 17-86, (1986)

IRVING SHAIN, Chancellor University of Wisconsin-Madison

It has apparently been a practice of the University of Wisconsin's head football coach to lead his team in religious prayer in the locker room prior to a game. You request my opinion on the lawfulness of the following situations related to that practice:

1) a voluntary pre-game prayer led by a member of the coaching staff;

2) a few moments of silent meditation in which the players and coaches participate; and

3) a pre-game prayer organized by the players without the involvement of the coaching staff.

In my opinion, the situations described…