‘We dare defend our rights’: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey rebukes anti-religious group, reaffirms Auburn coaches’ religious freedom

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey came to Auburn University’s defense after an anti-religious watchdog denounced the involvement of three coaches in an impromptu mass baptism.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent Auburn University a letter on Tuesday last week condemning the public university’s actions as unconstitutional.

“We have written to Auburn University many times over the past decade regarding its coaches using their public positions to impose their personal religious beliefs on their players and to generally promote their personal religious beliefs to students,” wrote FFRF.

The watchdog also sent an open records request regarding the worship-turned-baptism event, Unite Auburn, and the three coaches – Hugh Freeze, Bruce Pearl, and Butch Thompson – who were present.

Freeze, the head football coach and outspoken Christian, even baptized one of his freshman players at the event.

“We request that all three coaches be educated as to their constitutional duties as University employees,” FFRF demanded. “We further request notification in writing of the actions the University is taking to ensure that it will respect the rights of all its students.”  

But Gov. Ivey, who is an alumna of Auburn, defended the school and its coaches’ religious liberty.  

“Here in Alabama, we stand with President Whitmore; Coaches Freeze, Pearl, and Thompson; and the countless other Alabamians who seek to be true to themselves – and to God – as they live out their lives and seek to do their jobs to the best of their abilities,” Ivey wrote to FFRF.  

“Faith has been a force for good in this world, leading to countless scientific discoveries, the righting of countless injustices, and the founding of countless orphanages, hospitals, and other charitable and educational institutions,” Ivey continued. “The last thing I want is for Alabama college and university officials to be taking legal advice from an organization that does not recognize these points. 

“In the meantime, please understand that our state motto is ‘We dare defend our rights,’” Ivey concluded. “As Governor, I can assure you we will not be intimidated by out-of-state interest groups dedicated to destroying our nation’s religious heritage.”