News Release
For Immediate Release: 5.1.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Breaking: Michigan Elementary School Will Now Allow Student to Perform Popular Brandon Lake Song at Talent Show
First Liberty’s letter gave school administrators needed guidance on religious expression, and they are now allowing Christian songs in talent show.
Allegan, MI—First Liberty Institute announced today that the West Ward (MI) Elementary students whose songs were nearly censored for their religious content will now be allowed to sing in the school talent show.
“We are grateful for the school’s prompt attention to our letter and their recognition that the law is very clearly on the side of the students,” said Kayla Toney, Counsel for First Liberty. “Our clients look forward to singing their faith-based songs, as practiced and planned, at the talent show on May 23.”
Two Christian students had approached the school to audition for an upcoming school talent show. They chose songs by popular Christian artists Colton Dixon and Brandon Lake, who recently appeared on the American Idol’s Songs of Faith special. After reviewing the lyrics, a school official told the students’ mother that the song was too “Christian based.” In response to a demand letter from First Liberty Institute, the Allegan School Administration stated “that school staff were unfamiliar with the legal guidelines concerning religious expression in a public school setting,” and announced that the students will now be allowed to audition their songs and perform them at the talent show.
First Liberty has asked the school staff to complete the Respect Project training program available at https://edpoint.thinkific.com/ to ensure students of all faiths are free to express their beliefs in accordance with the protections of the First Amendment.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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