by Jorge Gomez • 1 minutes
December is shaping up to be a tremendous month for religious freedom! Thanks to your support, we’ve already secured three legal wins this month. For Elijah Nelson—an 8th grade student in upstate New York—the news of his Bible club being approved came just in time for Christmas.
The Waterville School District in New York initially denied Elijah’s request to start a club to connect with classmates who share his faith. The school told him that it would not “officially” recognize, “fund,” or “sponsor” the Bible club as it would any other club.
Earlier this month, First Liberty sent a letter explaining to the school district that if it allows any student clubs, it cannot deny a religious student club. Federal law and Supreme Court precedent make clear that school districts must provide the same support for a Bible club as all non-curricular clubs.
On December 10, the school district announced it will allow the student-led Bible club to meet as a school-sponsored club. “In line with district policy, the Board of Education, by resolution, will formally establish the Bible Study Club,” the school superintendent said in a statement indicating a change of course.
“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 Russell, Senior Counsel for First Liberty. “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,” Elijah said.
Multiply Your Impact With a Special $500,000 Matching Grant
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. All year long, you have been the true difference-maker in securing the future of religious freedom.
December is your opportunity to deliver more landmark and historic victories in the fight for faith. Your gift this month will help First Liberty replenish our resources for the battles ahead—including our two cases pending at the U.S. Supreme Court and the hundreds of cases we’ll handle in the coming year.
This is a make-or-break moment for religious freedom. We need your support to win more cases that will protect our clients and the freedom of you, your children and grandchildren.
Thanks to our $500,000 Matching Grant, your gift before midnight December 31 will have a multiplied impact in the fight to secure the future of faith and freedom.
Will you join us in the fight to protect religious freedom?
 |
|
|
