Waterville Bible Club

Elijah Nelson, a student in the Waterville Central School District in New York state, asked his school if he could start a Bible club open to all interested students for an opportunity to connect with classmates who share his faith. He explained that the club would study the world’s most widely published book to promote character development, mental health, critical thinking, group collaboration, and reading comprehension. He also proposed that local ministers might be invited to assist the students, just like other clubs.

He pursued his goal for two years but was finally told his request was denied. Legal counsel for the school district said that such a club would constitute an “endorsement of a religion.” Later, the school changed course and said the club could meet informally during lunch while a staff member supervised the students but would not participate in the group’s activities. The only other option Elijah was given would be to apply as an outside organization to use the school’s facilities after hours. Either way, Elijah was told, the district “cannot have a school-sponsored club associated with a religion,” and the school would not officially recognize, fund, or sponsor the Bible club as it would any other club.

The school allows a wide range of non-curricular clubs that benefit from complete support and recognition. These clubs include the Outdoors Club, Media Production & Journalism, International Club, Art Club, and Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), whose purpose is “to celebrate and promote diversity throughout the Waterville Jr/Sr High School campus in students, Faculty, staff, and community members,” and provide social support for individuals “struggling with gender and sexuality issues.” The GSA club Is allowed to invite local guest speakers from the QCenter and plans to hold additional educational events and host holiday gatherings.

In December, First Liberty Institute and the law firm Jones Day, sent a demand letter to the Waterville Central School District explaining that the Establishment Clause in the U.S. Constitution never requires—and never allows—the government to discriminate against religious observers and organizations when granting benefits.

After several media inquiries to the school district following First Liberty’s press release, the school superintendent released a statement:

“In January 2024, inaccurate information was shared with a student regarding the ability to officially establish a Bible Study Club and alternative options were proposed to the group. There was renewed interest to start the club in September 2024, and students began meeting weekly in the library, which they have been doing since then. In line with district policy, the Board of Education, by resolution, will formally establish the Bible Study Club during its December 10 meeting.”

At the meeting on December 10, the school board approved the motion without discussion, as part of a slate of consent items that were all considered together.

“We are grateful that the school district now recognizes the constitutional right of this club to meet with equal funding, support, and recognition afforded to all other clubs,” said Keisha Toni Russell, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “Schools should always respect the religious beliefs of their students. This is a victory for students of all faiths and a reminder that all people have a constitutional right to express their religious beliefs, pray, and study the Bible even in a public school setting.”

“I’m excited about starting the Bible Club with all those interested in studying and learning about the Bible,” said Elijah Nelson, the student who sought to form the club.