TN School Resource Officer put on paid leave during review of ‘proselytizing’ complaint while coaching football

In Clarksville, Tennessee, an assistant high school football coach and school resource officer, Trey Campbell of Northwest High School, left a game on his own after he was asked to stop behavior that school officials said had become disruptive. The request came following a complaint that he was “proselytizing”—that is, using his role to promote his religious beliefs during the game. 

Witnesses described Campbell as praying with students during halftime, carrying a Bible, quoting Scripture, and leading chants such as “faith over fear.” Some students came to him; he was also seen speaking with players and holding up his Bible in view of crowds. 

School officials say the issue wasn’t his private beliefs or prayer, but that his actions—while in his official capacity—had allegedly crossed a line by encouraging or leading religious activity in the school‑related setting. Under current legal precedent, public employees are allowed to engage in personal prayer so long as they do not pressure others or act in a way that appears to represent the institution endorsing religion. 

When asked to put his Bible away, Campbell reportedly refused, citing his religious convictions and the belief that encouraging students in faith was part of his responsibility. After being told that continuing the behavior was disruptive, he chose to exit the premises voluntarily. 

Following the incident, Campbell was placed on paid administrative leave as the Clarksville‑Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) together with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (which he serves under in part as a resource officer) continue investigating. The district says it supports religious freedom, but also must ensure school employees comply with constitutional requirements about the separation of their official roles from religious advocacy.

SOURCE: Clarksville NOW