by Jorge Gomez, Director of Content Strategist • 2 minutes
Exciting news! We secured a resounding victory for our client, LifeWise Academy.
We reached a settlement with the Everett School District in Washington that will allow LifeWise to continue providing Bible teaching to students through a voluntary released-time program.
Despite LifeWise Academy’s strong parental support and its compliance with the law, the school district created obstacles for families who wanted their children to participate. School officials were also openly hostile and made offensive remarks against the organization.
First Liberty sued, challenging the unconstitutional actions that prohibited LifeWise from operating.
The settlement requires the District to:
The school district also issued a public written apology on its website.
“Religious discrimination has no place in public schools,” said Stephanie Taub, Senior Counsel at First Liberty. “We are grateful to have reached this settlement on behalf of LifeWise.”
“This settlement is a welcome victory for Everett families who simply want the freedom to choose Bible education for their children during school hours,” said Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy.
Thank you for supporting LifeWise and First Liberty. It’s you who makes these victories possible.
And truly, what a win for religious liberty!
This is a tremendous victory for our clients and for all religious release time programs. It will impact the lives of countless families—just like yours—who want their children to participate in programs that teach them the Bible.
When you give to First Liberty, you’re multiplying the blessings of liberty across the country. Your generosity delivers the legal wins that unlock religious freedom for LifeWise—and ministries nationwide—so that they can fulfill their divinely-inspired calling.
Thank you for partnering with us. Our work is far from finished. And with your continued support, we’ll keep fighting to protect and restore religious freedom in America.
