MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than a week after Northwest High School assistant football coach Trey Campbell was removed from his position, the debate over his dismissal continues.

On Friday night, a crowd gathered in the parking lot of Montgomery Central High School for what they called "Friday Night Lights for Faith."

Supporters handed out Bibles and prayed for Campbell.

"I think so many exceptions have been made for other causes, other groups, other ideologies," Olivia Lupia, a supporter of Campbell, said. "It's not right to single one out. Just because you think you're a disruption doesn't make it appropriate to say you need to leave or be suspended."

"There are protections for First Amendment rights," she added.

Civil liberties advocates argue the removal was justified. Groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation said a coach leading players in prayer crosses the constitutional line.

“That’s not fair to players who don’t share those religious views,” Chris Line with the Freedom From Religion Foundation said. “It also wouldn’t be fair to make them feel they have to speak up or walk away. It was appropriate for the principal to step in.”

The event also drew political figures. Congressional candidate Tres Wittum framed the gathering as part of a broader faith-based movement. He highlighted the distribution of the “God Bless the USA Bible,” endorsed by President Donald Trump.

For now, the school district is standing by its decision.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/clarksville/prayer-service-held-for-removed-northwest-high-school-assistant-football-coach/