West Des Moines Community Schools said Friday that a man who acted as the Valley High School football team's volunteer chaplain is no longer allowed to serve as a representative of the school. In September, parents voiced concerns over religion in public schools after learning that the school planned to have self-described chaplain Chris Barr lead a prayer before a football game.A spokesperson for the school district said in a statement, “Chris Barr is not authorized to act in any representative capacity of the West Des Moines Community Schools. Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups on school premises or at school events."In an email to parents, Superintendent Lisa Remy announced districtwide changes asking school employees to review the district's religious neutrality guidelines. The changes also include having employees register their school-related social media accounts with the district.“Student rights regarding religion will be protected to ensure equal respect and treatment,” the letter said. “Non-curriculum related student clubs may have a religious affiliation and WDMCS will not discriminate against any student on the basis of religion. WDMCS employees may only be present at such meetings in a supervisory capacity.”

West Des Moines Community Schools said Friday that a man who acted as the Valley High School football team's volunteer chaplain is no longer allowed to serve as a representative of the school.

In September, parents voiced concerns over religion in public schools after learning that the school planned to have self-described chaplain Chris Barr lead a prayer before a football game.


A spokesperson for the school district said in a statement, “Chris Barr is not authorized to act in any representative capacity of the West Des Moines Community Schools. Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups on school premises or at school events."

In an email to parents, Superintendent Lisa Remy announced districtwide changes asking school employees to review the district's religious neutrality guidelines.

The changes also include having employees register their school-related social media accounts with the district.

“Student rights regarding religion will be protected to ensure equal respect and treatment,” the letter said. “Non-curriculum related student clubs may have a religious affiliation and WDMCS will not discriminate against any student on the basis of religion. WDMCS employees may only be present at such meetings in a supervisory capacity.”