Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
KOUNTZE, Texas -- A school district in Texas has banned run-through banners at football games if they display religious messages.
The superintendent of the Kountze Indpendent School District, Kevin Weldon, made the decision after receiving a complaint.
Kountze cheerleaders say the idea for banners with scriptures from the Bible came up during cheer camp, when Meagan Tantillo suggested it and her cheer mates backed her.
"Coaches preach devotionals before games. We wanted to show our support for our boys," Tantillo said.
In a town of just more than 2,000 people, the signs are the talk of the town.
No one knows who asked the superintendent to ban the banners. He says he was reluctant to do so, but decided it was the best course after consulting school attorneys.
In response, Tantillo and her cheer mates made Christian signs for Tuesday's volleyball game.
In a statement Superintendent Weldon said, "I commend them for what they stand for. But I called legal counsel and even though it's lead by students, it should not be allowed to go on."
The cheerleaders chose Christian messages to break away from the stereotypical signs. They wanted inspiring and uplifting messages instead.
Many people are standing behind the cheerleaders, including the football players who run through the banner. The idea made Kountze football mom Ashley Brown emotional.
"Makes me proud that they're willing to stand up and believe in God," Brown said.
Even volleyball players from the opposing team were on board. They gathered with Kountze volleyball players in prayer Tuesday.
The cheerleaders plan to continue showing their faith at games any way they can.
"We aren't backing down," Tantillo said.
The cheerleaders say they chose Christian messages to break away from the stereotypical signs that say "Claw the Tigers" or "Scalp the Indians."
They say they wanted inspiring and uplifting messages instead.
