Men On Campus Mentorship Program: Mobile, Ala. The future of the “Men On Campus” mentorship program at Blount High School, initially uncertain due to a cease and desist order from the Mobile County Public School Board Attorney, now has a positive outlook. Dr. Reginald Crenshaw confirmed that the program will continue, with the stipulation that prayer is excluded from the classroom.
“They wanted us to remove prayer from that whole program,” stated Dr. Crenshaw.
The “Dad’s On Campus” initiative aims to provide positive male role models who encourage students by walking the halls. However, concerns were raised when volunteers were informed on Monday that they could no longer come on campus.
In a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, it was stated, “A concerned District community member has reported that Blount High School has been allowing church representatives into the school to proselytize and pray with students.”
Pastor Wesley Davis, involved in the program, clarified, “If a student requests prayer, it has to be led, of course, asked by the student. We did not initiate prayer; they asked for prayer.”
Despite the miscommunication, the volunteers expressed their commitment to being a supportive outlet for students who need it. Davis mentioned, “We do not apologize for what we believe in, but we also understand that there are rules, and we’ll comply with those rules.”
While awaiting guidance from the Blount PTSA, the program aims to return to campus soon, emphasizing the positive impact it has on students. Dr. Crenshaw expressed the need for such programs in schools but stressed the importance of adhering to the separation of church and state, stating, “And what a stronger entity than the church?
And honestly, I respect the separation of church and state, but I can’t think of a more positive entity than the church. So, we welcome that, we want it to continue not only at Williamson and Blount but at all the schools can use that. Again, they just cannot have the prayer going.”
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