News Release
For Immediate Release: 9.4.20
Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
After Letter from Religious Liberty Law Firm, Texas County Will Allow Religious School to Reopen Next Week
Cameron County, Texas responded to letter from First Liberty Institute
Brownsville, TX—Late yesterday, officials in Cameron County, Texas announced that they approved of First Liberty Institute client Calvary Christian School of Excellence’s (“CCSE”) plan for reopening next week. First Liberty sent a letter to Cameron County officials explaining that its previous order prohibiting CCSE, a private, religious school, from reopening was inconsistent with the Constitution, federal, and state law. Another school, Laguna Madre Christian Academy, reopened this week after First Liberty informed county officials of its right to do so.
“We are pleased that Cameron County has approved of the careful work Laguna Madre Christian Academy and Calvary Christian School have put into safely resuming in-person classes,” said Jeremy Dys, Special Counsel for Litigation and Communications. “As Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made clear weeks ago, local officials serve their community best by respecting the religious liberty of religious institutions.”
Jan Leibert of CCSE said, “We are thankful that Cameron County officials approve of the effort we have put into planning for the safe return of our students on Tuesday and look forward to welcoming them back to class.”
Both Laguna Madre Christian Academy and Calvary Christian School have implemented extensive health and safety measures to protect their teachers and students.
In July, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance explaining that under Texas law, local officials do not have the authority to close or delay the reopening of private, religious schools.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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