News Release
For Immediate Release: 7.31.25
Contact: Peyton Drew, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Washington School District Rejects Claim of Discriminatory Conduct in FCA Club’s Religious-Themed Posters
A third-party investigation concludes all allegations against the Fellowship of Christian Athletes student advisor were unsubstantiated.
Silverdale, WA—First Liberty Institute and attorney Mark Lamb with Carney Badley Spellman PS announced today that the Central Kitsap School District in Silverdale, WA, rejected all allegations of discriminatory conduct against the faculty-sponsor of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (“FCA”) club when a fellow teacher complained about religious themes in posters promoting FCA meetings.
“We commend the Central Kitsap School District for coming to this conclusion, and we encourage them to continue their respect for the First Amendment as they develop a policy protecting the First Amendment rights of all student groups,” said Kayla Toney, Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “This is an important reminder that not only do students have a constitutional right to express their religious beliefs in a public school setting, but the teachers who sponsor them are entitled to the same protection.”
The local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Olympic High School in Washington state, placed posters referencing Jesus in the hallways to advertise their club, all approved by the administration. After the posters were placed throughout the school, a fellow teacher alleged that the group and its advisor, Joshua Kazas, engaged in discriminatory action by displaying the posters, arguing that they created a hostile environment. A third-party investigation quickly determined there was insufficient evidence of any discriminatory actions, all allegations were unsubstantiated, and the administration considers the matter closed. The district is currently updating its club advertisement policy, and we expect that it will protect the First Amendment rights of students and teacher sponsors by making clear that religious clubs can use religious messages just as non-religious clubs are allowed to advertise their messages.
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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 Peyton Drew at media@firstliberty.org.
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