in letters sent to superintendents of two of the largest Virginia jurisdictions involved. School officials responded they were unaware that the coaches were hosting the proselytizing, and immediately stopped it. The Roanoke County superintendent stated “Roanoke County Schools believes in the separation of church and state. We want to maintain and ensure that that practice is being followed.” A city of Roanoke spokesman said “When this information came to our attention, we responded immediately. We met with the appropriate people and made it very clear that separation of church and state is the law of the land. We feel the matter is under control and we will monitor this very closely.” Through its media office, FCA issued the following response, "Every student athlete has the right and the freedom to participate in activities according to their individual religious convictions. There are no repercussions for students who decline to participate in FCA activities." The FFRF letters, however had noted that repercussions may take the form of pressure from peers and coaches, alienating non-Christian students, and usurping parents' authority. The FCA sexual purity statement has been criticized because it includes statements against homosexuality, which must be signed by FCA representatives of the ministry including staff, trustees and adult volunteer ministry leaders. Student leaders sign a Student Leader Application when serving in leadership roles within the organization, which requires signing the sexual purity statement. The FCA has also come under criticism for exclusion of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from holding office or receiving scholarships. In 1996, for example, an FCA chapter in Tennessee rescinded an FCA Male Athlete of the Year award given to Aaron Walker because Walker was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FCA leaders apologized for how they handled the situation, but claimed that the FCA's official policy was that "Mormons were not Christians"; as such LDS Church members could not hold FCA offices or receive FCA awards. Ironically, Vernon Law, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Pittsburg Pirate baseball player in the 1950's and 60's, was featured in early FCA brochures and contributed to the organization's first book intended for an outside audience. Professional athletes Since 1954, professional athletes and coaches have taken part in FCA through ministry events, speaking engagements, FCA camps, volunteer opportunities and ministry leadership roles. For approximately