Two atheist families with students in the Smith County School District complained that the schools allowed Christian prayer during mandatory assemblies and sporting events. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a federal lawsuit against Smith County schools in the summer of 2020 which was later settled out of court, but many Tennessee residents still disagree with the school district's decision not to fight the lawsuit.

The ACLU stated in its lawsuit that the school district infringed upon families' #FirstAmendment rights by pushing religious ideology on students. Smith County High School and Smith County Middle School were explicitly named in the lawsuit because those were the schools attended by the atheist parents' children. 

The school board released a statement acknowledging that while they did not believe they had violated any laws, they were willing to change their policies regarding prayer at school events. The case was settled out of court on September 14, 2020.

Supporters of the ACLU's stance believe that allowing Christian prayer at school events violates the first amendment's clause that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." They argue that the school is promoting Christian theology and infringing upon the rights of families who do not share the same beliefs.

However, some people are upset about the settlement and argue that prayers are a local tradition important to the community's heritage. Some have suggested that a moment of silence might be an appropriate compromise, as it would allow people to pray if they wish silently.

The question up for debate: Should guided prayer be allowed at mandatory school assemblies and sporting events?