PETITION TO REMOVE SUB-PARAGRAPH (b) FROM THE PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION UNIFORM POLICY

To: The Honorable Members of the Prince George County Board of Supervisors
From: Citizens and Residents of Prince George County

Our Intentions

We’re standing up to protect our Parks and Recreation employees and the families they serve. Right now, a new county rule limits what kids can wear—even during practices. It says players can’t wear personal clothing with messages unless the county approves it first. That means a child wearing a sweatband or T-shirt with “John 14:6” will be told to take it off. This puts coaches and Parks and Rec staff in a tough spot. They shouldn’t have to police personal clothing or religious expression. Their job is to focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and keeping kids safe—not enforcing speech rules. We believe this policy is government overreach. It limits free expression and creates unnecessary conflict.

Let it be known that we support Sub-Paragraph (a), the rule prohibiting the modification of uniforms.

We, the undersigned residents of Prince George County, respectfully petition the Board of Supervisors to remove Sub-Paragraph (b) from the proposed Parks and Recreation Activities Rule, Paragraph A. Uniforms.

Sub-Paragraph (b) states:

“No apparel may be worn during games or practices that appears to be part of a uniform and that bears messaging that a reasonable observer would construe to be approved by or endorsed by Prince George County or its constituent departments or agencies without the prior approval of the Parks and Recreation Department of Prince George County.”

We strongly oppose this provision because it is unnecessary, unmanageable, unconstitutional, and creates unnecessary conflict between county employees and parents. It also raises serious constitutional violation concerns based on statements already made by county officials.

1. It puts county employees in an impossible position.

This rule requires staff to inspect every child’s clothing for “unapproved messaging” and decide whether a “reasonable observer” might think it looks county-endorsed. That vague, subjective standard is impossible to enforce consistently.

Coaches, referees, volunteers, and employees—most of whom are simply trying to help kids enjoy the game—would be forced to act as apparel inspectors rather than mentors. They would have to question or remove children over clothing items as ordinary as “Adidas,” “Play Hard,” “King of Kings”, or even a personalized headband with a Bible verse on it. This will not build community—it will create confusion, resentment, and unnecessary confrontation at the field.

2. It will cause ongoing conflict between parents and county staff.

The rule virtually guarantees disputes between families and Parks and Recreation employees. Parents will be told their children cannot play because of harmless clothing that has no vulgar, obscene, or offensive content. This will put employees, and volunteers in the uncomfortable position of enforcing a rule they did not create and may not even agree with. Instead of fostering a supportive, family-oriented environment, this rule will generate arguments, complaints, and frustration.

3. The Assistant County Attorney has already stated this rule targets religious expression.

At the October 14, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, Assistant County Attorney Charise Pastor stated on record that a player could not wear a personal sweatband with “John 14:6” on it because, quote, “We would deem that Christian speech—obvious Christian speech—because John 14:6 is from a Christian Bible and specifically references Jesus Christ.”

This public statement confirms that the rule would be used to restrict specifically religious expression, which is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Preventing a child from wearing a personal item of clothing with a Bible verse on it is viewpoint discrimination—one of the most serious forms of constitutional violation.

4. A clearer and fairer solution exists.

The county can maintain an appropriate dress standard without overstepping constitutional boundaries or creating conflict. By simply having a narrow policy that prohibits only crude, vulgar, or obscene language or imagery that cannot be worn during practices or games. This language would protect both children and county staff while respecting the community’s diverse values. This would be a reasonable and common-sense rule that would keep the focus on recreation, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

In summary:

Sub-Paragraph (b) as currently written is unmanageable and unconstitutional.

• It places an unfair burden on Park and Recreational County employees.
• It fosters conflict between families and Parks and Recreational staff.
• And it has already been publicly linked to violating citizens first amendment freedoms. 

We, the undersigned, call on the Prince George County Board of Supervisors to strike Sub-Paragraph (b) from the proposed Parks and Recreation uniform policy. Removing it will protect county employees, restore community trust, and uphold the constitutional freedoms that every citizen—adult and child alike—deserves.

Respectfully,

Citizens of Prince George County

(Please print your name, signature, and address below to show your support.)